Supreme Court bid to stop high-profile graft case

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal by former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo who is attempting to stop his trial on charges of criminal abuse of office. The Herald reports that he is being represented by Lovemore Madhuku. They are seeking a permanent stay of prosecution on the basis that he was allegedly tortured by soldiers. In dismissing Chombo's application, the High Court ruled that his alleged abduction by members of the Zimbabwe National Army during Operation Restore Legacy in November 2017 was not meant to extract a confession for criminal offences against him. Justice Nicholas Mathonsi found no merit in the application.