Chamisa’s Lawyer’s Ultimatum to Sanyatwe Ends Without Retraction Harare, Zimbabwe – An ultimatum issued by Nelson Chamisa’s lawyer, Thabani Mpofu, to ZANU-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo demanding a retraction of allegations made against his client expired on Thursday without any response. In a letter dated February 12, 2023, Mpofu accused Moyo of falsely alleging that Chamisa was involved in a plot to assassinate President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He demanded a public retraction within 48 hours, failing which he would pursue legal action. However, despite the deadline passing, Moyo has remained silent on the matter. Mpofu has not yet announced whether he will proceed with legal proceedings. Chamisa, the leader of the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “baseless and malicious.” He has accused ZANU-PF of orchestrating a smear campaign to discredit him and the CCC. The allegations against Chamisa have sparked widespread condemnation from both within Zimbabwe and internationally. The United States Embassy in Harare has expressed concern over the “politically motivated attacks” on the opposition. The lack of a retraction by Sanyatwe raises questions about the credibility of the allegations and the motives behind them. It also highlights the ongoing political polarization in Zimbabwe and the challenges facing the opposition in exercising their rights to dissent and freedom of expression.Ultimatum for Zimbabwe Army Commander Over Unconstitutional CommentsUltimatum for Zimbabwe Army Commander Over Unconstitutional Comments Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe, Zimbabwe National Army Commander, is facing the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu. The ultimatum demands that Sanyatwe retract unconstitutional comments he made in a widely circulated video. Mpofu’s letter, sent a week ago, accuses Sanyatwe of violating Section 208, subsection 2, of the Zimbabwe Constitution. This section mandates that the conduct of security forces be non-partisan. Sanyatwe’s remarks claimed that Zanu-PF would remain in power indefinitely and threatened to impose a “collective vote” to ensure the party’s dominance. These statements have sparked public outrage and condemnation from legal experts. Mpofu’s letter warns of legal action if the statements are not withdrawn. He emphasizes the constitutional mandate that security forces should not act in a partisan manner, promote political parties, or violate fundamental rights. Sanyatwe’s comments have raised concerns about military interference in politics and the erosion of democratic principles. Zimbabwe’s elections have a history of political violence and intimidation, and the army commander’s remarks are seen as a threat to free and fair elections. The ultimatum expires today, and it remains to be seen how Sanyatwe will respond. His failure to retract the statements could result in legal action and further erosion of public trust in the military’s nonpartisanship.HARARE, Zimbabwe – Lawyer Thabani Mpofu’s ultimatum to Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa over her alleged defamatory statements against opposition leader Nelson Chamisa ended without a retraction. Mpofu had given Mutsvangwa 24 hours to retract her statements or face legal action. The ultimatum expired on Monday without Mutsvangwa issuing a retraction. In a statement, Mpofu said he would now proceed with legal action against Mutsvangwa. “We have been left with no choice but to proceed with legal action against Minister Mutsvangwa,” Mpofu said. “We are confident that the courts will vindicate our client and hold Minister Mutsvangwa accountable for her defamatory statements.” Mutsvangwa had alleged that Chamisa had met with foreign diplomats to plot against the government. Chamisa has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and malicious.” The legal battle is the latest in a series of clashes between the government and the opposition. The opposition has accused the government of human rights abuses and electoral fraud, while the government has accused the opposition of trying to destabilize the country. The upcoming 2023 elections are expected to be fiercely contested, and the legal battle between Chamisa and Mutsvangwa is likely to be a major flashpoint in the campaign.