State in U-turn, appeals Bennett acquittal

Roy Bennett’s acquittal last week finally seemed to clear the way for his swearing in as Deputy Agricultural Minister. However, after Attorney General Tomana at first seemed to accept the High Court ruling, he later announced the state would appeal the decision. This U-turn, suggested to be instructed by Justice Minister Chinamasa, once again delays the swearing in of Bennett.

There is also delay in registering new media outlets by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. The ZMC claims insufficient funds are the reason for the delay, suggested to be caused by the refusal of donors to financially back the ZMC, because of ZANU PF sympathizer Tafataona Mahoso, their recently appointed chief executive officer. During his reign as chairman of the Media Information Commission, Mahoso was responsible for the arrests of a number of journalists and the closing down of several newspapers.

The delays above led Prime Minister Tsvangirai to ask Zuma to convene a SADC summit on Zimbabwe to help and resolve the political squabbles and prepare the country for fresh elections. Tsvangirai’s request coincides with a joint statement of the EU and South Africa in which they urge the three parties to fully implement the GPA.