A current resolution by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to increase the time period of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, has been met with scathing criticism from outstanding constitutional lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu.

Mpofu deemed the extension “nonsense” and a “work of fiction,” arguing that it’s unlawful and absurd.

According to Mpofu, the 1988 Regulations cited by Mnangagwa to justify the extension don’t grant the President the authority to increase the General’s tenure.

Mpofu said that Sibanda’s retirement was “by operation of law” upon reaching the necessary retirement age of 70, rendering any try to increase his time period invalid.

“I’d like to address the 1988 Regulations from two angles,” Mpofu posted on his X deal with.

“Firstly, I’ll highlight the futility of relying on them after the term has expired. Any power Mnangagwa could have wielded under these Regulations should have been exercised before the deadline. It’s akin to seeking medical attention after the patient has passed on.”

The extension, introduced by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya on Tuesday, purports to depend on “proviso (i)” of the Defence (Regular Force) (Officers) Regulations, 1988.

However, Mpofu dismissed this as “utter and unforgivable rubbish” and questioned the legitimacy of citing a statute in such a fashion.

“Secondly, let’s study the substance of those Regulations being the mast below which Mnangagwa (who shouldn’t be exercising government perform) has chosen to set sail.

“Not surprisingly, there’s no provision that grants Mnangagwa the authority to increase the General’s tenure. This, in my opinion, is all made up nonsense. A piece of fiction. As big a fiction as the idea that Mnangagwa is invincible.

“And what on this God forsaken world is ‘proviso (i)’ which he says he relied on? Who cites a statute in that method? This is rather like saying, ‘I have acted in terms of the powers set out in subsection 2 of the Mental Health Act’.

“What’s that? Utter and unforgivable garbage from the division of justice. Everyone involved should maintain their heads in disgrace.

“In my humble view, the illegality is glaring, and the absurdities are piling up. Someone is in breach of their constitutional obligations.”

Mnangagwa prolonged Sibanda’s time period by one yr, efficient from December 24, 2024, to November 23, 2025. Additionally, Mnangagwa promoted 26 Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Lieutenant Colonels to the rank of Colonel.