Political activist Talent Rusere has approached the High Court of Zimbabwe seeking to legally restrain former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from establishing a new political party until a comprehensive financial audit of the dissolved Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is completed.
The application, filed under Case Number HCH498/26, argues that Chamisa must not be permitted to launch or register any new political entity pending a full accounting of CCC resources. Rusere, a former CCC member and donor, states the action is driven by a need for transparency and accountability within the opposition movement.
In court documents, Rusere contends that Chamisa exercised “absolute control” over party finances under a policy of “strategic ambiguity,” effectively acting as a constructive trustee of the party’s assets. “As such, he is personally and legally liable to account for all funds and assets administered during his tenure,” the application states.
Rusere is seeking a declaratory order compelling a detailed audit of all state and donor funds received by the CCC since January 2022. This includes disclosure of high-value assets, specifically citing an armoured vehicle reportedly purchased via a public GoFundMe campaign. To mitigate what he describes as a risk of asset dissipation, Rusere has also applied for an interdict. This would bar Chamisa, or any associates, from registering a new political party with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) until a transparent handover process and a certified audit are concluded.
The activist asserts his case protects contributors’ rights and upholds constitutional principles of accountability. “Anyone performing a public or quasi-public role has a duty to be accountable to the people they lead and those who fund their activities. Mr Chamisa is no exception,” Rusere said.
The CCC, formed in 2022 as a coalition to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF party, was led by Chamisa until its recent internal collapse. His departure left a significant vacuum in Zimbabwe’s formal opposition landscape. This legal challenge now centres on the financial stewardship of that period and could delay Chamisa’s anticipated political re-entry.
The court’s pending decision will determine whether financial reconciliation is a prerequisite for future political activity, setting a potential precedent for accountability in Zimbabwe’s opposition politics.
