By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has asked the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to submit three new names for the post of Prosecutor General (PG).

The development follows the rejection by Mnangagwa of the three front-runners to succeed PG Ray Goba which reports claim are premised on political reasons.

Following the completion of public interviews in November last year, the JSC submitted the names of the top three performers to Mnangagwa for consideration as required by the Constitution.

Former principal law officer Calvin Mantsebo came first with former student activist Tinomudaishe Chinyoka and president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Misheck Hogwe coming second and third respectively.

When contacted by The Independent, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Virginia Mabiza confirmed Mnangagwa had asked for new names.

Sources in the Justice ministry said the JSC is under political pressure from Zanu PF, which wants to influence the process.

Sources said Mnangagwa ruled out Mantsebo on the basis that very little was known about him, while Chinyoka was discredited for his previous association with the opposition MDC.

Mnangagwa’s reservations about Mantsebo and Chinyoka effectively meant Hogwe would be the automatic choice, but influential senior officials from the Justice ministry opposed his appointment.