Simmons’ deportation case postponed
HARARE: A legal challenge by former national coach Phil Simmons against attempts by Zimbabwe Cricket authorities to terminate his three-year contract was heard in Harare High Court chambers yesterday. Justice Benjamin Hlatshwayo spent 25 minutes listening to arguments by advocate Julie Wood for Simmons and attorney Andrew Mukandiwa for ZC. The hearing was also attended by a representative of the Zimbabwe attorney-general while Simmons and an immigration official waited outside. If Simmons loses the case, and his employment permit, he will have to leave the country within seven days. But this could take many months under various legal processes. Simmons was appointed as Zimbabwe coach in September 2004, but was replaced by Kevin Curran six weeks ago when Zimbabwe was playing a Test match against India in Bulawayo. Simmons claimed he was never given a written termination letter, nor any offer of compensation. Mukandiwa disputed this, saying a letter was presented to the former West Indies Test allrounder. Wood told the judge that ZC managing director Osias Bvute did not have any authority to terminate Simmons’ contract because he was not a member of the ZC board of directors. She said authority should have come from ZC chairman Peter Chingoka. Judge Hlatshwayo held the matter over until Friday morning, when he expects to hear further legal argument and witness statements.
Comments
"Simmons’ deportation case postponed"