President ED Mnangagwa’s challenger Sybeth Musengezi in serious trouble

A member of ZANU PF, who had previously challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to power following the 2017 coup, appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda for the continuation of his trial on a forgery charge.

The accused, Sybeth Musengezi, allegedly obtained a ZANU PF membership card through fraudulent means. Represented by Nqobani Sithole and Doug Coltart, Musengezi faced testimony from State witness Godwills Masimirembwa, the ZANU PF Harare chairperson.

During the court proceedings, Masimirembwa claimed that Musengezi had forged his address, asserting that he was not a genuine member of the party. In defence, Sithole argued that Musengezi was indeed a legitimate party member and had even contested for a post within ZANU PF. However, the State witness contended that Musengezi had failed to provide documentation proving his transfer of membership from Hatcliffe to Mt Darwin.

Sithole countered by emphasizing that Musengezi’s possession of a membership card indicated his legitimacy as a party member. Musengezi’s legal team also pointed out errors in the party register, which Masimirembwa did not dispute. The trial is set to continue today, with further proceedings expected.

Musengezi had previously filed a High Court application in 2020, challenging a central committee meeting held in 2017. This meeting led to the resignation of the late former President Robert Mugabe and the subsequent assumption of power by Mnangagwa.