Zim Now Writer
A dramatic turn of events has seen a High Court judge, Justice Esther Muremba, recuse herself from a high-profile case involving Neville Mutsvangwa, the son of Women’s Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Zanu-PF's spokesman Chris Mutsvangwa.
The judge's decision came after she was summoned to the State House to explain delays in the case, sparking concerns of judicial interference.
Justice Muremba was due to deliver judgment in Mutsvangwa's bail appeal on Monday but instead announced her recusal, citing “personal reasons”.
“For personal reasons, I am not able to proceed with this matter,” Muremba said.
The case will now be allocated to a different judge.
According to ZimLive sources, Justice Muremba was summoned to State House last week for a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, and Monica Mutsvangwa.
Mutsvangwa reportedly complained bitterly about the judge's handling of the case, prompting the President to ask for an explanation.
The judge explained that the delay in delivering her ruling was due to receiving the record from the magistrates' court late. Mnangagwa reportedly accepted her explanation and respected the independence of the judiciary, excusing her from the meeting.
Justice Muremba, however, decided to recuse herself from the case after mulling over the incident for a few days.
Her decision has raised alarm in legal circles, with veteran lawyer David Coltart who is also a mayor of Bulawayo, describing it as “highly unusual” and “the antithesis of justice”.
Neville was arrested on May 8 for allegedly illegally trading foreign currency and money laundering, which he denies.
His parents claim his arrest was politically motivated. Neville's father, Chris, accused Chiwenga of engineering the arrest of his son.
Neville Mutsvangwa will have to spend more time in custody, pending the outcome of his bail appeal.
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