HARARE, Zimbabwe – Chief Justice Luke Malaba expressed concern about the prevalence of misinformation and attempts at intimidating judicial officers during the opening of the 2024 legal year in Harare on Monday.
He revealed that seven judges had fallen victim to misinformation, particularly in cases of political interest.
Malaba highlighted the disturbing trend during the elections period, where disparaging remarks were made against the judiciary, specifically targeting judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
He emphasised that these unwarranted remarks originated from decisions made by the courts.
“Even more concerning was the fact that the disparaging remarks were made by some members of the legal profession who are expected to have known better,” Chief Justice Malaba stated.
Litigants who faced unfavorable decisions in court resorted to making unfounded allegations of corruption, issuing threats, and attempting to intimidate judicial officers.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba opens up on politics
Chief Justice Malaba disclosed that seven judges had become victims of this misinformation and intimidation.
In response to instances involving lawyers, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) engaged with the Law Society of Zimbabwe, leading to the resolution of matters amicably.
“Constitutionalism discourages vexatious and unrelenting litigation by litigants whose conduct is directed at undermining public confidence in the independence and integrity of not only the judiciary but the entire administration of the justice system,” Malaba asserted.
While emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and the independence of the courts, Chief Justice Malaba encouraged judges not to shy away from making decisions despite baseless complaints and allegations raised against them.
“It cannot be the norm that justice can only be said to have been done when the disposition is inclined to a particular outcome favored by a litigant in question,” he stated.
Malaba reiterated that his comments were not meant to shield the courts and judges from fair scrutiny, adverse comments, and criticism of their judgments and decisions.
Instead, he emphasised the need to uphold constitutionalism and the rule of law in the face of misinformation and intimidation attempts.
