Lawyers desert MDC-T bigwigs

Politics
BULAWAYO lawyers Phulu and Ncube Legal Practitioners have withdrawn their representation for former speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo and Tsholotsho North MP Rosylene Nkomo in their electoral matters amid reports that MDC-T has failed to pay the pair’s legal fees.

BULAWAYO lawyers Phulu and Ncube Legal Practitioners have withdrawn their representation for former speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo and Tsholotsho North MP Rosylene Nkomo in their electoral matters amid reports that MDC-T has failed to pay the pair’s legal fees. SENIOR COURT REPORTER

Moyo filed an electoral petition challenging his defeat in the Matobo South House of Assembly elections citing irregularities while Nkomo was petitioned by Information, Media and Broadcasting Services minister Professor Jonathan Moyo.

Moyo has since withdrawn his petition. According to papers before the Electoral Court, Phulu and Ncube filed their notice of renunciation of agency on Thursday last week.

“Notice of renunciation of agency. Take notice that Messrs Phulu and Ncube hitherto legal practitioners of record for the ninth respondent (Nkomo),” the lawyers wrote.

Moyo’s notice was also the same as that of Nkomo and was filed on the same day.

The electoral petitions are still to be set down for hearing four months after their filing instead of the 14 days as prescribed by the law. Contacted for comment on why they ditched the pair, Phulu and Ncube Legal practitioners refused to comment saying they do not comment on issues involving client privileges.

“It’s unprofessional,” they said.

However, Moyo said he was not aware of the new development.

“I am not aware of that. Let me check. Normally lawyers are engaged by the party. I will check on what is happening and talk to them. I will advise you of the position,” Moyo said.

Nkomo said the lawyers were still going to represent her after she talked to them.