Zimbabwe judges 'panic'

The fate of High Court judge Justice Priscillah Chigumba who is accused of soliciting for a $20 000 bribe from a litigant is likely to be sealed in two weeks' time when the Judicial Service Commission meets to consider the matter.

According to local media, this comes as unconfirmed reports indicate that panic has gripped High Court judges as the likely bribery probe against the judge, could open a can of worms.

Justice Chigumba was among the eight High Court judges that were interviewed by the JSC to be considered for elevation to the Supreme Court bench.

JSC secretary Justice Rita Makarau yesterday said, the JSC will meet on October 13 where the matter would be considered.

A cross-section of lawyers who spoke on the corruption accusation against Justice Chigumba said the allegations were likely to open a pandora's box, and, several judges were deeply disturbed. A city lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa said she could not give an informed comment on one-sided facts, which have not been established through due process.

She, however expressed hope that the JSC would look into the complaint and make an informed decision based on veritable facts.

It emerged during the interview last week that Justice Chigumba attempted a bribe-harvest of $20 000 from one of the parties in a case she was presiding over.