Chief Justice Malaba in trouble over alleged judicial abuse

HARARE – In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s legal circles, businessman Tendai Mashamhanda has demanded the resignation of Chief Justice Luke Malaba, accusing him of presiding over a corrupt bench and failing to address judicial improprieties.

Mashamhanda, the son of renowned business tycoon Alex Mashamhanda of Mashwede Holdings, articulated his grievances in a scathing letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on February 9, 2024.

Copies of the letter were also sent to various governmental and human rights bodies, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.

“Regrettably, to date (9 February 2024), I have not received a response to any of my letters. I am alive to your tactics,” Mashamhanda wrote, expressing his frustration with what he perceives as a systematic attempt to silence legitimate complaints.

“You ignore legitimate complaints… as a strategy of sweeping the issues raised under the carpet.”

The businessman’s accusations are not confined to Malaba alone; he has also called for the resignation of all judges, alleging compromise and misconduct within the judiciary.

He cited instances of nepotism, sexual harassment, and corruption, claiming that these factors have compromised the delivery of justice.

“There are also many other transactions that have raised eyebrows, including the purchase of the Chief Justice’s residence,” Mashamhanda asserted, suggesting improprieties in high-profile dealings within the judiciary.

In his letter, Mashamhanda recounted his personal legal ordeal, alleging that his property rights were violated due to dubious Supreme Court rulings.

He accused Malaba of being complicit in a broader pattern of abuse, including the alleged sexual harassment of junior female employees.

Despite Mashamhanda’s fervent pleas for accountability, the JSC responded to one of his letters, asserting that he had not followed the correct procedures in lodging complaints.

However, this did little to assuage Mashamhanda’s concerns, as he doubled down on his calls for resignations and investigations into judicial conduct.

“In order to protect the integrity of the judicial system in Zimbabwe and the interests of the people,” Mashamhanda concluded, “you must resign as a matter of urgency.”

The allegations levied by Mashamhanda have ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious questions about the independence and integrity of Zimbabwe’s judiciary.

As calls for accountability grow louder, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Chief Justice Malaba and the broader judicial establishment.