The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has filed a legal interdict to block Sengezo Tshabangu from carrying out more recalls of its elected representatives.
The interdict was filed in October 2023, and the opposition party says it also sent its party constitution to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, in an attempt to stop Tshabangu’s recalls.
In their application, the CCC asked the High Court to stop Tshabangu from directly or indirectly claiming to represent the party and to stop him from recalling its members who were voted into office.
“Plaintiff’s claim against defendant is for an order: a. Interdicting defendant said from directly or indirectly representing or purporting to be representing the Citizens Coalition for Change political party in any forum. b. Interdicting defendant from directly or indirectly recalling Members of the National Assembly and local government authorities elected to hold office on a Citizens Coalition for Change political party ticket. c. Costs of suit,” read the interdict filed against Tshabangu.
CCC Deputy Spokesperson, Gift Ostallos Siziva, also urged party supporters to remain calm.
“The CCC took legal action against Tshabangu in October 2023 effectively restraining him from falsely representing the CCC. The legal dispute is ongoing and Tshabangu filed an appearance to defend on November 8 indicating his intention to consent to the lawsuit. However, he has not yet presented a form of defence,” he said.
Siziva said the party’s legal representatives were actively engaging in discussions with the Speaker of Parliament, President of Senate – Mabel Chinomona and Minister of Local Government – Winston Chitando to inform them about the ongoing legal battles concerning the recalls.
“These discussions emphasise the importance of honouring and respecting our court processes while disregarding any spurious communications. We firmly believe that all stakeholders will be guided by the principles of justice and legality in their actions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tshabangu has recalled a total 69 councillors.
In Harare, Tshabangu recalled the mayor, Ian Makone and his deputy, Kudzai Kadzombe from Wards 18 and 41 respectively, including three elected councillors from Wards 5, 16, 36, and four under proportional representation.
In Chitungwiza, Tshabangu recalled three councillors from Wards 7, 12 and 21.
At the Marondera municipality, Tshabangu recalled three elected councillors from Wards 3, 8 and 10 including two under proportional representation.
In Manyame Rural District Council, Tshabangu recalled one councillor from Ward 7 while at Gweru City Council he recalled one councillor from Ward 11 and four others under the women’s quota from proportional representation.
In Kwekwe, Tshabangu recalled three councillors including former Minister of Health – Dr Henry Madzorera from Ward 10 while the others were from Ward 5 and 9.
In Mutare, he recalled three councillors from Wards 5, 8 and 12 while in Chiredzi Town Council he recalled two from Wards 6 and 7.
At Chegutu Municipality, Tshabangu recalled three from Wards 6 and 7.
In Chinhoyi, Tshabangu recalled three councillors from Wards 9, 10 an 12 including two under r proportional representation.
In Hurungwe, he recalled one from Ward 3 and one under proportional representation.
In Norton, he recalled two councillors from Wards 11 and 12 including two councillors under proportional representation
At Victoria Falls, Tshabangu recalled four councillors from Wards 1, 8, 9, 11 and two under proportional representation
At Takawira Rural District Council, Tshabangu recalled one councillor from Ward 14 and one in Binga North from Ward 2.
