Harare- A showdown is looming between ex Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and the state after his fraud case was transferred from Bulawayo to Harare.

The former Vice President is facing trial for criminal abuse of office after he interfered with the arrest of Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) officials in 2016.

Mphoko appeared before Harare Magistrate, Hosea Mujaya for his routine remand.

Through his lawyer, Zibusiso Ncube, Mphoko raised concerns on jurisdictional issues.

“We have the issues of territorial jurisdiction to have this matter tried in Bulawayo and not here in Harare”.

“But most importantly, we don’t have the State papers to prepare for trial, the docket is with the Prosecutor General and he hasn’t made a decision on the territorial jurisdiction, the issue which we intend to agree on” said Ncube

Ncube said they will lodge an appeal to have his trial in Bulawayo.

“If we fail to reach a common ground, we will approach the court with a formal application,” he said

Prosecutor George Manokore made an application for postponement saying the State needs to iron out the issue.

Mphoko in 2016 is alleged to have stormed Avondale Police Station following the arrest of Davison Norupiri and Moses Juma and ordered the release of the two constituting to criminal abuse of office.