Harare seeks extradition of exiled lawmakers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration has approached SA to facilitate the extradition of former Cabinet Minister Saviour Kasukuwere to answer to four counts of criminal abuse of duty. State media has noted that the first three counts relate to his term as Local Government Minister when he ‘corruptly parcelled’ out more than 220ha of land in Harare and Masvingo to Shuvai Gumbochuma, the sister of former First Lady Grace Mugabe. New Zimbabwe reports that the other charge dates back to when he was Youth Minister and he awarded a tender to undertake brokerage services ‘without following laid down procedures’. ‘This request is not being pursued for political reasons or any ulterior purpose. Zimbabwe guarantees that Saviour Kasukuwere will receive a fair trial in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe. The Republic of Zimbabwe also undertakes to render assistance to the Republic of South Africa in any criminal matter,’ reads part of the request. Harare is also attempting to have another former Cabinet Minister, Walter Mzembi, extradited from SA for trial on theft and fraud charges. The Daily Nation reports that the two countries do not have an extradition agreement, but Zimbabwean authorities say there are provisions to seek legal mutual assistance from SA in extradition cases.

Full Daily Nation report

Full New Zimbabwe report