Zimbabwean Chief Justice swears in 30 new judges

Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza has sworn in 30 newly appointed judges to Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, High Court, and Labour Court. The appointments, made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, involve a reshuffle of the superior courts, including the elevation of three Supreme Court judges to the Constitutional Court and eight High Court judges to the Supreme Court.

Attorney General Virginia Mabiza described the appointments as a “masterstroke” aligned with the country’s amended Constitution. The new process, which removes public interview requirements for judicial candidates, allows the President to appoint judges following consultation with the Judicial Service Commission. Mabiza noted that the new system is intended to be faster and more efficient while increasing the representation of women in senior judicial positions.

Justice Isaac Muzenda has been appointed Judge President of the High Court, with Justice Philda Muzofa serving as deputy. The expansion of the judiciary is expected to help ease workloads and improve the delivery of justice across the country.