The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has filed an urgent court application seeking an order to set aside the suspension of Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni by Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.
Lawyers David Hofisi and Dzimbabwe Chimbga are also seeking an order to allow Manyenyeni to continue carrying out council business and receive allowances in line with his post of mayor.
The human rights lawyers further want the High Court to order Kasukuwere to refrain from suspending, dismissing or engaging in any other activity with a view to removing councillors from the office of mayor of Harare.
Councillor Manyenyeni was suspended Wednesday after he appointed a town clerk, a move that was challenged by Kasukuwere as unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, the National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ) said it held a meeting Thursday with Harare acting mayor Christopher Mbanga to discuss a petition that was handed over to suspended mayor Manyenyeni on Wednesday before he was sent home by Kasukuwere.
NAVUZ co-odinator Value Dick told VOA Studio 7 her association is dismayed at the way vendors, especially women, are treated when their goods are confiscated by municipal police.
She claimed that they are at times allegedly sexually abused by the council police.
