News / National
New Chief Justice appointment, a demonstration of true statesmanship by Mugabe - Madhuku
31 Mar 2017 at 14:44hrs | Views
University of Zimbabwe Dean of the Law Faculty Professor Lovemore Madhuku has applauded the manner in which the new Chief Justice Luke Malaba was appointed, saying the move was a demonstration of true statesmanship and constitutionalism shown by President Robert Mugabe.
In an interview with ZBC News, Professor Madhuku said the appointment showed that the President took into account the different scenarios that had arisen in the country where a new law was being promulgated to allow the President to appoint the chief justice, while interviews had already been conducted to select the chief justice.
He said views were also awash among some sections of the media that the position is reserved for certain sections of the community, a notion which was proved wrong by the new appointment of Chief Justice Malaba.
Professor Madhuku said the new chief justice selection showed that Cde Mugabe has the wishes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe at heart.
The appointment of a new chief justice to replace Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku had generated debates with some suggesting that the President should wait for the amendment of the constitution to allow him to appoint the new chief justice, while others said the President should pick the new chief justice from those selected by the Judicial Service Commission which had ranked the candidates.
Madhuku noted that Cde Mugabe's appointment of chief justices has never been predictable as he had picked Chief Justice Dumbutshena after he had passed a ruling against government, and after that Chief Justice Antony Gubbay was appointed at a time when many thought that no white person could ever be given that position again after independence.
Chief Justice Malaba was appointed chief justice on the 27th of March following the expiry of Chief Justice Chidyausiku's term on the 28th of February this year.
The new chief justice designate is said to be out of the country to receive an award honouring Zimbabwe for passing the law that outlaws under 16s marriages.
In an interview with ZBC News, Professor Madhuku said the appointment showed that the President took into account the different scenarios that had arisen in the country where a new law was being promulgated to allow the President to appoint the chief justice, while interviews had already been conducted to select the chief justice.
He said views were also awash among some sections of the media that the position is reserved for certain sections of the community, a notion which was proved wrong by the new appointment of Chief Justice Malaba.
Professor Madhuku said the new chief justice selection showed that Cde Mugabe has the wishes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe at heart.
Madhuku noted that Cde Mugabe's appointment of chief justices has never been predictable as he had picked Chief Justice Dumbutshena after he had passed a ruling against government, and after that Chief Justice Antony Gubbay was appointed at a time when many thought that no white person could ever be given that position again after independence.
Chief Justice Malaba was appointed chief justice on the 27th of March following the expiry of Chief Justice Chidyausiku's term on the 28th of February this year.
The new chief justice designate is said to be out of the country to receive an award honouring Zimbabwe for passing the law that outlaws under 16s marriages.
Source - ZBC
