Key points
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Chief Saurombe faces legal threats over life-presidency remarks.
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ZLHR demands retraction and apology within 10 days.
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Zanu PF is divided over Mnangagwa’s succession and term limit.
Chief Oliver Saurombe of Manicaland is under fire after calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to rule for life.
Lawyers say his remarks broke the Constitution and warn he could face court action unless he apologises.
On September 5, lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) delivered a letter to Saurombe at his Biriiri homestead.
They represent Pritchard Tafadzwa Paradzayi, who was shocked after watching a video of the chief urging Mnangagwa to rule for life. In the same video, Saurombe chanted Zanu PF slogans.
The lawyers argue his remarks violated section 281(2) of the Constitution, which bans chiefs from partisan politics. They gave him 10 days to issue a full retraction and apology. If he fails, they say he will face court.
They also pointed to a 2024 High Court ruling against Chief Seke, who was forced to withdraw similar partisan remarks supporting Mnangagwa.
Opposition says chiefs must stay out of politics
Human rights lawyer Obey Shava called Saurombe’s comments “plainly unconstitutional.” The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) also condemned the remarks, warning that dragging chiefs into politics weakens democracy.
Under section 7 of the Traditional Leaders Act, the government can suspend a chief for misconduct. Misconduct includes open support for political parties. The ZLHR letter was copied to the National Council of Chiefs and the Ministry of Local Government.
“Through your utterances, you acted in a partisan manner and furthered the interests of Zanu PF,” the lawyers wrote.
Zanu PF split deepens as succession looms
Mnangagwa has said his final term will end in 2028. Still, some Zanu PF supporters want him to stay until 2030. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe even suggested allowing him to rule beyond 2030.
Chief Saurombe argued that even 2030 was not enough. He defended his life-presidency call as the best option.
His remarks have added fuel to an already heated succession battle. Mnangagwa has not named a successor, leaving rival factions scrambling for influence. Some warn that life-presidency talk could split the party and hurt its credibility before the 2028 election.
For now, Saurombe has not responded publicly. But with lawyers, activists and opposition leaders all demanding an apology, pressure is mounting. If he refuses, he may soon face court.
