Bulawayo magistrates up in arms with their superiors

MAGISTRATES in Bulawayo are up in arms with their superiors after being ordered to make financial donations for Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku's surprise belated birthday bash.

He was born February 23, 1947.

A register of those who will contribute has already being prepared and disgruntled magistrate say it's a for a form "of divide and rule", magistrates say.

Deputy secretary for the Judicial Services Commission, Rex Shana today denied the issues saying there was no directive from Harare for contributions.

However, Bulawayo magistrates insisted that they have been asked to contribute.

"We have been told to chip in with contribution for the chief's birthday. But there is resistance as workers feel their conditions of service are bad, they cannot afford to contribute" said the magistrate who asked not to be named.

Several magistrates said they doubt Chidyausiku is aware of this as they have not done it in the past. The bash is said to be planned for this weekend.

In a leaked United States diplomatic cable, former Supreme Court judge, Wilson Sandura described Chidyausiku as "more of a politician than a judge"

Chidyausiku has reached retirement age although he has an option to get a five-year extension if he produces a medical report confirming that he is mentally and physically fit to continue on the bench.

At law, Zimbabwean judges are required to retire at the age of 65, but the threshold can be extended to 70 years provided that the President, after consultation with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), accepts a medical report confirming that the judge is fit to continue for five more years.