HARARE – A Harare magistrate has issued an arrest warrant against Zanu PF activist Sybeth Musengezi after he failed to show up for trial Tuesday.

Musengezi, who came onto the limelight when he launched a bold challenge against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy as party leader, is accused of falsifying his residential address in order to secure a Zanu PF membership card.

His trial commenced last month before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda and was due to continue Tuesday.

His lawyer Douglas Coltart said the activist was unable to attend due to ill health.

“We are seeking a postponement to a later date and that the matter continues when he is feeling well,” said the lawyer.

Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira insisted a warrant of arrest be issued since he did not notify court of his absence.

According to court papers, on an unknown date in 2012, Musengezi, Allen Chisuko and Taurai Mutimbanyoka allegedly misrepresented to Zanu PF that they resided at a given house number in Hatcliffe Extension, Harare.

By doing so, Musengezi fraudulently became a member of Zanu PF, Muzinda 1A District, prosecutors allege.

In 2019, Musengezi allegedly lied again that he was within a Zanu PF cell, Mai Chitepo Branch Muzinda 1 District and that he resided at another mentioned address in Hatcliffe Extension, Harare.

Musengezi then became eligible for election to a Zanu PF branch position, a preserve for party members who would be appearing in cell structures.

Based on the alleged misrepresentation, prosecutors say, he was then elected Zanu PF Mai Chitepo Branch’s Muzinda 1 District Youth Wing vice chairperson.

Prosecutors allege that by doing so, he prejudiced the party of its reputation as he went on to enjoy participation in internal elections and programmes that are supposed to benefit members only.

Zanu PF Harare provincial chairman Goodwills Masimirembwa is currently testifying against him.

During the last court hearing, Masimirembwa claimed investigations have shown that Musengezi lied.

“An examination of the cell registers revealed that he used two addresses, neither of which he resided at, nor conducted any business at, as is required by the party constitution when one applies for membership of the party,” he said.

He said this affects mobilisation.

“If we have people we give false addresses, the party will move with a false impression that this ward is our strength. The whole party is adversely affected in formulating records and decisions,” Masimirembwa said.