Mujuru's ally loses ouster challenge

The Electoral Court has dismissed with costs an application by ousted Minister of State for Masvingo Province, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti Chuma, who is challenging his expulsion from Zanu-PF and subsequently parliament.

Dismissing the application, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu ruled that political parties are associations of people of common purpose and interests, hence domestic remedies are best suited for such a case.

Justice Bhunu said that the applicant had approached the court before exhausting domestic remedies at his disposal, adding that the Electoral Court has no appeal jurisdiction and is limited to its review, whereas the Zanu-PF Central Committee is capable of determining Bhasikiti's case fully by delivering both procedural and substantive justice.

He also found that domestic recourse remedies is a less complex and faster process that relieves applicant of the complexities and controversies of the need to seek leave to sue the President as head of state.

Bhasikiti was expelled from the ruling party on allegations of pushing for regime change and ouster of the president.

His expulsion from the party led to his sacking from parliament and loss of his ministerial post in terms of the constitution.