Gwaunza appointed Zimbabwe's first female Chief Justice

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe's next Chief Justice, making history as the first woman to hold the country's highest judicial office.

Justice Gwaunza replaces Luke Malaba, who retires on May 15 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Prior to her appointment, Gwaunza served as Deputy Chief Justice under Malaba and was regarded as one of the judiciary's most senior and experienced judges.

President Mnangagwa also appointed Paddington Garwe as the new Deputy Chief Justice.

The appointments mark a significant transition within Zimbabwe's judiciary following Malaba's retirement after a judicial career spanning more than four decades.