Mnangagwa establishes tribunal to investigate Justice Katiyo

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has established a tribunal to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against High Court Judge Never Katiyo, following advice from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Invoking powers under Section 187 of the Constitution, the President tasked the tribunal with determining whether Justice Katiyo's conduct warrants removal from office. The tribunal will be chaired by Retired Justice Maphios Cheda, with lawyers Tafadzwa Hungwe and Chaka Mashoko serving as members. The inquiry is expected to run for five months, with findings to be submitted to the President within 30 days of its conclusion. Proceedings may be held publicly or privately.

Justice Katiyo faces accusations of delivering a judgment before the scheduled hearing, attributing submissions to advocates who did not appear, altering judgment dates to benefit parties seeking appeal, and rescinding his own judgment to obstruct investigations. He is also alleged to have granted an appeal before opposing papers were filed and delayed delivering a judgment for nine months, exceeding the timeframe set by the judicial code of ethics.

The tribunal will examine these claims alongside evidence submitted by the Judicial Service Commission to determine whether Justice Katiyo remains fit to hold office. The inquiry is regarded as a critical measure for upholding judicial accountability and maintaining integrity in Zimbabwe's legal system.