CJ Malaba to hold final Constitutional Court sitting

Luke Malaba is set to preside over his final sitting at the Constitutional Court in Harare on Monday next week, formally marking the end of a judicial career spanning more than four decades.

The special sitting, scheduled to take place at Mashonganyika Building, will serve as a ceremonial closure to his tenure as the country's head of the judiciary. It is expected to be attended by senior judges, legal practitioners, and government officials.

Justice Malaba's retirement signals the end of an era and triggers the constitutional process to appoint a successor to the office of Chief Justice.

He is set to leave office at midnight on May 14, 2026, in line with Section 186(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which requires judges to retire at the age of 70, unless they opt for a five-year extension. Justice Malaba previously exercised this extension five years ago, making the upcoming retirement final.

Over the course of his career, he rose through the judicial ranks from magistrate to Judge of Appeal before being appointed Chief Justice. His tenure has been characterised by landmark rulings and efforts to strengthen judicial reforms aimed at improving access to justice.

Members of the legal fraternity have often described him as a jurist grounded in constitutional principles, fairness, and judicial independence.

As part of farewell arrangements, the Judicial Service Commission has confirmed a series of events to honour his service. A formal dinner will be held on May 14, bringing together key institutions from the Executive, Legislature, and the broader justice sector to mark his departure from the bench.