Published: 24 hours ago

A rights activist has approached the Constitutional Court seeking to overturn President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to reassign Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) chairperson Jessie Majome, arguing that the move was unconstitutional and amounted to an unlawful removal from office.

In an urgent application filed on April 21, 2026, activist Allan Chipoyi contends that the President failed to follow mandatory constitutional procedures governing the removal of members of independent commissions.

Chipoyi argues that the April 10 directive transferring Majome to the Public Service Commission was not a routine administrative reassignment, but in effect a dismissal from her position as ZHRC chairperson.

"The Constitution does not permit the executive to circumvent its safeguards by relabelling a removal as a ‘reassignment'," he states in his founding affidavit.

Majome was appointed ZHRC chairperson on March 20, 2024, but was reassigned shortly after the commission reportedly raised concerns over the conduct of public hearings on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, which seeks to extend the presidential and parliamentary term from five to seven years.

Chipoyi alleges that the commission had criticised what it described as "flawed and exclusionary" processes, including claims of harassment of dissenting voices and restricted participation.

He argues that there is a direct link between those concerns and Majome's reassignment, describing the move as punitive.

The application further states that no tribunal was constituted to investigate or recommend Majome's removal, as required under the Constitution.

"The Respondent did not appoint such a tribunal, nor was any recommendation made to him," Chipoyi argues, adding that any removal of a commissioner must follow a strict constitutional process.

He further contends that the President's actions undermine the independence of constitutional bodies, warning that allowing the decision to stand would weaken safeguards meant to protect Chapter 12 institutions.

"If this action is permitted to stand, it renders the concept of independent commissions entirely illusory," he states.

Chipoyi is seeking a declaratory order setting aside the reassignment, reinstating Majome as ZHRC chairperson, and preventing any future interference with the commission outside constitutionally prescribed procedures.

The Constitutional Court is expected to determine whether the President's actions violated provisions of the Constitution relating to the independence and tenure of commissioners. The matter is yet to be heard.
- NewZimbabwe

You might also want to read this

• Mnangagwa distributes vehicles
• Mnangagwa declares zero tolerance for corruption
• Mnangagwa takes sole charge of Zanu-PF vehicle donations
• Mnangagwa issues stern warning to Agritex officers
• Mnangagwa donates vehicles and cash
• Mnangagwa focuses on term extension
• Mnangagwa promotes 21 Air Force officers
• Zanu-PF mobilises grassroots for Mnangagwa term extension
• Mnangagwa joins world leaders at key indaba
• Mnangagwa's diplomatic calling luring African leaders