The men claim that the land acquisition process is in direct violation of Article 6 of the SADC Treaty that states:
“Member States shall not discriminate against any person on the grounds of gender, religion, political views, race, ethnic origin, culture, ill-health or disability or such other grounds.”
The main case hearing was scheduled to take place on May 28, but was postponed after the Zimbabwe government’s legal team missed the deadline citing “lack of manpower, financial and material constraints” as reasons.
The first hearing of the Campbell case took place in December 11, 2007, on December 12, 2007, the tribunal granted an interim order in favour of Mike Campbell but on January 22, 2008, the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe dismissed Campbell’s challenge, with Mutasa stating that his government would continue seizing the farm, despite the tribunal ruling.
In response, Registrar Justice Charles Mkandawiri of the SADC Tribunal said the matter would be taken to the highest level of SADC – the SADC Summit. The Summit referred the matter to the Committee of SADC Ministers of Justice for advice on what would constitute appropriate action. It is not yet known when that Committee will meet.
Post published in: News