Judge delays Shoko judgment

Judge delays Shoko judgment

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By Lebo Nkatazo

HIGH Court judge Anne Marie Gowora is sitting on a judgment in which Chitungwiza mayor Misheck Shoko is challenging his suspension by the government.

Last week, the judge reserved judgment in Shoko’s urgent chamber application saying she would deliver judgment “either on Friday or Monday”, but has not done so even though she is in good health and turning up for work.

A source at the High Court in Harare told New Zimbabwe.com Tuesday that the judge had prepared the judgment and had at one time summoned people to send it for typing, only to change her mind at the last minute.

“The judge said she would deliver judgment either on Friday and Monday, but she has not done so. At one time she requested that her order be taken for typing, but changed her mind before handing it over,” said a source.

The source added that the judge, who seemed to be under pressure because of the case, has since asked for “more documentation to clarify some matters from the lawyers”.

“It seems as if the judge is being leaned on by government agents to deliver a favourable judgment. It would not be surprising especially considering government’s well documented stance on MDC mayors,” he added.

Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo has suspended a number of MDC mayors and replaced them with Zanu PF appointees.
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