Harare, Zimbabwe | Advocate Thabani Mpofu, popularly known as Advocate Fulcrum and widely recognised as the personal lawyer and close adviser to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, has carved out his own battlefield against ZANU PF — but not in the traditional political arena. Instead, Mpofu has waged what some have described as a “personal holy war” in the courts, targeting government institutions, pro-ZANU PF figures, and members of the judiciary.
The Beginning: 2018 Election Dispute
Mpofu first rose to national prominence during the 2018 presidential election challenge, where he represented Chamisa in the Constitutional Court. In a spirited performance, he accused the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of manipulating the vote and insisted that the courts were “captured.” His fiery critique of the judiciary, particularly its insistence on primary evidence such as V11 forms, set the stage for his ongoing confrontations with state institutions.
Confrontation with the Prosecutor General
In 2019, Mpofu shifted focus to the office of the Prosecutor General after challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Kumbirai Hodzi. He went further, alleging a conflict of interest in the handling of cases involving Zimbabwe Mining Federation boss Henrietta Rushwaya — whom he controversially claimed was romantically linked to Hodzi.
Pressure on Justice Chinamora
His next legal war was directed at former High Court judge Justice Webster Chinamora, now chairperson of the Independent Complaints Commission. Mpofu accused Chinamora of being conflicted and pushed for him to be investigated by the Judicial Service Commission. The mounting pressure eventually led to Chinamora’s resignation. Analysts argued that Mpofu’s challenge stemmed from Chinamora’s pro-government rulings, including the landmark Cocksedge v CABS case which shielded government from massive debts by upholding the controversial 1:1 exchange rate ruling.
Clash with Army General
Mpofu has also locked horns outside the courts. In 2024, he publicly threatened legal action against former army Lieutenant General Anselm Sanyatwe after a video of the general declaring that “ZANU PF will rule until donkeys grow horns” went viral. In a bold move, Mpofu escalated his protest by writing directly to all SADC heads of state, condemning the remarks.
The Justice Katiyo Saga
Most recently, Mpofu’s attention has turned to High Court judge Justice Katiyo. The two have clashed over a controversial ruling Katiyo admitted contained an error, but which Mpofu insists amounted to judicial misconduct.
Justice Katiyo has been under scrutiny before. In 2023, he barred 22 recalled CCC legislators from contesting by-elections, a move widely viewed as favouring ZANU PF. He also ruled that ZEC was under no obligation to release the electronic voters’ roll or the final list of polling stations — a decision that sparked outrage among opposition supporters and left Katiyo claiming his life was in danger after receiving threats.
Beyond the Courtroom: Into the Church
Mpofu’s battles have also spilled into the religious arena. Within the Seventh Day Adventist Church, he has openly criticised prominent businessman and ZANU PF Central Committee member Kuda Tagwirei, accusing him of using the pulpit for political influence.
What Drives the “Holy War”?
To his critics, Mpofu’s relentless legal challenges are a personal crusade that borders on obsession. To his supporters, however, he is a fearless defender of democracy and rule of law, standing up against what he calls “a captured state.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Mpofu’s unflinching stance may one day earn him a top role in a Chamisa-led government — potentially as Vice President or Minister of Justice. For now, what remains clear is that Thabani Mpofu has positioned himself as one of the most vocal and unyielding legal adversaries of the Mnangagwa administration.