Zimbabwe government challenges ruling against chief justice

Zimbabwe's government has lodged an appeal against a High Court ruling that nullified the chief justice’s re-appointment.

It ruled the president’s extension of his tenure was unconstitutional.

The justice ministry accused the judiciary of being used by foreign forces to destabilise the country.

It’s the first public row between the judiciary and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

The opposition have often accused the government of exercising undue influence over the judiciary.

Supreme Court judges will decide whether a constitutional amendment allowing both Supreme and Constitutional court judges to delay retirement by five year can benefit them.

Over the weekend three high court judges ruled that it does apply to sitting judges unless a referendum is held.

Legal experts are divided over whether a constitutional crisis looms.

Meanwhile the government has climbed down from its accusations, now saying it respects the independence of the judiciary as a dependable interpreter of the law.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: ZimLive