HARARE- With the case around election dispute still pending the Church and Civic society have expressed concern over Executive influence on Judiciary decisions and consequently called on them to uphold the sanctity of separation of power.
In a press statement delivered on behalf of the two groups Pastor Guthrie blamed Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba for the dispute political situation in the country saying she did not take heed of warnings by contesting parties over the Conduct of the electoral board.
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“The MDC- Alliance has contested the ZEC result which gave victory to Zanu PF’s Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa and we hold Justice Chigumba accountable and responsible for the unnecessary political mess that has even led to the killing of innocent civilians by some trigger of the soldiers of our Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” Pastor Guthrie said.
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He added that they look forward to the judiciary to pick up the pieces with the dispute at hand and deal with it as judiciary as they can; bearing in mind bearing in mind God is watching them as the citizens are watching them.
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“We exhort the 12 judges currently seized with this matter to brook no interference from any quarter; be it from the Executive with its long tentacles nor the opposition or anyone for that matter,” he said.
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Pastor Guthrie raised a red flag over President Mnangagwa’s tweet that he gave an instruction to the courts over the case involving one of the MDC- Alliance leaders Tendai Biti saying the nation deems it as clear interference with the independence of our judiciary.
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“We therefore in the same grace would like to warn and urge the President Elect Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa to uphold the sanctity of separation of powers and allow the courts freedom to adjudicate without fear, reprisal nor threats from those in power,” he said.
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Pastor Guthrie also said President Mnangagwa has not departed from his predecessor in terms of fascism and oppression and should stay off people’s civic liberties.
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He also said that the army let the nation down by using arms against civilians whom they are supposed to be protecting and went further to demand answers from the commanders.
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“Spare us this blame shifting and political football games and take responsibility over wanton killing of innocent civilians.
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“What kind of leaders are you? The citizens and the church are asking,” He said.
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Pastor added that the Commanders have no shame and cannot be compared to other countries that protect their citizens.
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“We want you to know that as sure as the sun rises from the East and sets in the West, time will come for some of you to account for these wanton murders,” said Pastor Guthrie.
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The church’s call comes at a time when members of President Mnangagwa have uttered statements calling on the courts to dismiss the challenge by the MDC- Alliance.
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