Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
The Minister of State in Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s Office, Tabitha Kanengoni-Malinga, on Tuesday moved for the withdrawal of the National Peace and Reconciliation Bill to allow the National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation Ministry to consider complaints over the Bill which the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) said has clauses that are ultra vires the Constitution.

The PLC had passed an adverse report on the Bill and a fortnight ago, members of the public also rapped the Bill and gave input on how it must be crafted.

“I move for the withdrawal of the NPRC Bill pursuant to the Standing Orders of this House,” Minister Kanengoni-Malinga said.

“The reasons are that, after receiving the adverse report on the Bill, the ministry (National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation) decided to consider those issues and then we will re-submit the Bill at a later date.”

The NPRC Bill was then withdrawn from the Order Paper.

The PLC, established by the Constitution to examine the constitutionality of every Bill and Statutory Instrument, was concerned by the provisions that took away the independence of the NPRC.

Several provisions in the Bill empowered Government to interfere with the work of the commission.

This is in violation of Section 235 of the Constitution which categorically states that independent commissions are “independent and are not subject to the direction and control of anyone” and that they are accountable to Parliament for the efficient performance of their func- tions.

Meanwhile, Parliament swore in Mashonaland East province Senator Tabeth Murwira and Guruve South MP Cde Patrick Dutiro to fill the seats vacated by Mrs Olivia Muchena and Mr Chriswell Mutematsaka respectively.

Mrs Muchena and Mr Mutematsaka were expelled from Zanu-PF over their links with sacked former Vice President Joice Mujuru who wanted to unseat President Mugabe unconstitutionally.

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