High Court nullifies nomination of independent candidate in Vic Falls council by-election

The High Court has disqualified independent candidate, Mr Ephias Mambume from contesting in the November 30 Victoria Falls City Council Ward 1 by-election following an electoral petition by Zanu-PF candidate Cde Tonderai Mutasa.

The ruling has automatically declared Cde Tonderai Mutasa duly elected councillor for Ward 1 since it was only him and Mambume contesting in the race.

It is ordered that Mr Mambume was disqualified from nomination as a candidate by operation of law in that he was in default with the payment of water and rates charges payable to the Victoria Falls City Council and had been in such default for a period of over 120 days, a violation of the Electoral Act.

The judge said the decision by Ms Mlilo who presided over the nomination Court on October 15 was in error and violated the applicant’s rights in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The local authority has said Mr Mambume owes US$17 500.

In his opposing papers, Mr Mambume disputed the arrears claim, and since appeal the High Court decision at the Supreme Court.

The applicant said the defaults rendered Mr Mambume disqualified under the provisions of the Electoral Court. Victoria Falls town clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said the council is looking into the issue of arrears in respect of Mr Mambume.