Story by Peter Chivhima
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended Zimbabwe’s judicial officers for safeguarding the rule of law and strengthening investor confidence through the delivery of justice.
The tribute was delivered during a ceremonial dinner held in Harare on Thursday evening in honour of retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba, marking the end of his judicial career spanning more than four decades.
Senior government officials, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and regional judicial representatives attended the event, which celebrated Justice Malaba’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s legal system.
Acting President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi, representing President Mnangagwa, said the judiciary remains central to the country’s national development agenda.
“Under the Second Republic, the government has continued to pursue a clear national development path. Within this broader national programme, justice delivery holds an important place. The courts must remain independent in the exercise of judicial authority. That independence is not negotiable; it is the command of the Constitution,” he said.
Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga praised Justice Malaba for strengthening Zimbabwe’s justice delivery system during his tenure.
“We are gathered here to pay tribute to a man who contributed immensely to the country’s judiciary, whose leadership, dedication and commitment to justice have left a lasting imprint on Zimbabwe’s legal system,” he said.
Regional judicial leaders also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice, highlighting his influence within Southern and Eastern Africa’s legal fraternity.
Malawi Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda described Justice Malaba as “an iconic and almost indispensable figure” within the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum.
Namibia’s Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, said Justice Malaba’s remarks on judicial cooperation resonated strongly with the Namibian delegation and reflected shared legal traditions within the region.
In his farewell remarks, Justice Malaba thanked government for supporting the judiciary during his tenure.
“I want to thank the government for the unwavering support rendered to me throughout my tenure as Chief Justice. The cooperation and commitment demonstrated towards the administration of justice greatly strengthened our institutions and enabled us to serve the people with dignity, independence and integrity,” he said.
Justice Malaba also cited infrastructural development and reforms within the justice delivery system as key milestones achieved during his time in office.
He joined the judiciary in 1984 and rose through the ranks to become Chief Justice, serving in various parts of the country before assuming leadership of the Judicial Service Commission in 2017.
