High Court judge, Thabani Mpofu in conflict of interest storm

High Court judge Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa and prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu have been thrust into the spotlight after an anonymous whistle-blower accused them of a conflict of interest in a letter recently leaked to the media.

The letter, addressed to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and copied to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), claims that alleged personal and professional links between the two compromise the impartiality of the courts. The writer, who withholds their identity "for fear of victimisation," alleges that Advocate Mpofu continues to receive instructions from Munangati and Associates, a law firm said to still be associated with the judge.

"Despite having a brother who works at Munangati and Associates, where I believe the Honourable Judge still has interests as her name still appears at the law firm, Advocate Mpofu takes instructions from the law firm and appears before Justice Munangati in those matters," the whistle-blower states.

The author argues that such an arrangement is "highly undesirable and grossly unfair to other litigants," claiming it creates an uneven playing field for parties unaware of the alleged relationship between the judge and the advocate.

The letter lists several cases said to illustrate the alleged conflict of interest. Among them is HC 2312/24 – Collin Zondai Makoni vs The State, which reportedly came before Justice Munangati despite originating from her former law firm and involving lawyers Skumbuzo Mpofu and Skyvaine Vongai Tendere. The matter is still awaiting judgment.

Another case flagged is Thelma Chimbanga vs L Gono Enterprises (HC 1518/24), which the writer says was heard by the same judge although it also came from Munangati and Associates. It remains pending a set-down date.

The whistle-blower further points to Blue Star Logistics vs Harare Motorways (HC 8108/24), where Advocate Mpofu is representing the applicant. They suggest this "anomaly" is being overlooked due to Mpofu's alleged close friendship with fellow lawyer Webster Chiikwanha.

The author insists that Justice Munangati-Manongwa "should not hear any matters instructed to Advocate Mpofu by Munangati and Associates legal practitioners," and urges ZACC to investigate the claims to safeguard litigants from possible prejudice. They add that this is not their first attempt to raise the issue, noting that a previous letter was sent to ZACC on 24 June 2024.

Neither ZACC, the JSC, Justice Munangati-Manongwa nor Advocate Mpofu had issued a response to the allegations at the time of publication.