Chinamasa responds to bond notes challenge by prominent businessman. Insists SI on bond notes is legal

Responding to a bond notes challenge filed by businessman Mr Frederick Mutanga, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa deposited an opposing affidavit on behalf of President Mugabe and the Attorney-General arguing the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act and its application by President Mugabe was constitutional.

Chinamasa says that Mugabe acted lawfully in terms of the Act and has not in any way acted outside the powers given to him in terms of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act. He said that the economic situation in the country required an urgent solution and that following the ordinary law-making process in the circumstances was unhelpful.

Mr Mutanda in his application wants an order declaring the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act unconstitutional. He also seeks the nullification of the SI for want of procedural compliance with Section 3 of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act. He also wants the issuance of bond notes and coins in terms of SI 133/ 16 declared unconstitutional. Yesterday, Judge President George Chiweshe deferred the hearing of the matter to Monday to allow the parties to file their heads of argument.