MDC Condolence message on Justice Wilson Sandura passing

THE MDC joins the legal fraternity and the entire nation in mourning the loss of the late, Justice Wilson Sandura, the retired Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe who passed away yesterday, 11 March 2015.

In Justice Sandura Zimbabwe has lost one of its finest legal minds. Justice Sandura epitomized the very best of humanity in his unshakable commitment to Fairness and Justice for all. He was an incorruptible, kind hearted, sensitive and scrupulously fair Judge whose unbending resolve to uphold the Rule of Law even in the face of extreme pressures cost him the Chief Justiceship of Zimbabwe when it was clearly his turn to assume that office based on seniority and competence.

Justice Sandura stood out like a beacon as a competent, non- partisan, fair and just judge who gained the respect of fair minded Zimbabweans across the political divide. He was always dignified and respectful.

He is one of very few judges known to have turned down an offer of a farm under Robert Mugabe's controversial land redistribution exercise in recognition that it could have compromised his judicial independence and impartiality. He was a true rarity. The loss of this gentle giant of a lawyer of immense skills is very sad indeed. He was extremely formidable in his fairness, clarity, sharpness and impartiality. He was Justice personified.

We pray that his family and loved ones find strength and comfort in this hour of bereavement in the knowledge that they gave the nation a man who will remain in the annals of our history as one of a few who embodied the best of our national values.

May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.