(Last Updated on October 30, 2020 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – Barely a week after the Zimbabwean government and it’s SADC counterparts commemorated the Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day meant to try and force the removal of the sanctions imposed by the West on Zimbabwe – the public relations campaign might have just hit another wall as Henrietta Rushwaya’s attempted gold smuggling case brings the government under further spotlight, for the wrong reasons.
Concerns about the ability of the courts to handle her case independently have been raised both locally and internationally due to her strong links to politically powerful individuals in the country.
The case yesterday made it into the British House of Lords question and answer session.
Questions were asked about the efforts being made by the UK government and the European Union to try and ensure the independence of the judiciary in Zimbabwe.
“At a time when there have been no prosecutions for corruption despite overwhelming evidence of gross corruption by Zanu-Pf government officials. What measures can Her Majesty’s government and the European Union take to ensure the independence of the judiciary in Zimbabwe
“And what measures can be taken to encourage the South African government to use it’s political and economic leverage with Zimbabwe to help resolve the crisis,” inquired one of the members.
During the session, it was also said that the UK government had not seen sufficient progress in terms of the political and economic reforms that were set out by the Zimbabwean government.
Another issue that was raised was the concern on the continued persecution of Joana Mamombe and two other MD-Alliance female activists. The three are facing charges of faking their abduction after they reported that they were abducted and tortured by suspected state security agents in May.