CHIEF magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe yesterday urged members of the public and other stakeholders involved in the administration of justice to desist from tempting magistrates with bribes.
REPORT BY CHARLES LAITON
He said everyone should be involved in fighting the corruption scourge.
Addressing judicial officers, workmates, relatives and friends of the three magistrates who took oath of office — Trevor Tatenda Nyatsanza, Batanai Madzingira and Poterai Gwezhira — Guvamombe said the conservative magistrates profession required one to publicly affirm to abstain from any unethical or socially reprehensible behaviour.
“As a magistrate, do not endeavour to make popular decisions. You are bound by the law and your duty is simply to uphold the law and dispense justice. Never use your power in arbitrary fashion. You will earn the respect of all court users by showing respect to them,” Guvamombe said.
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“We also call upon the public and the other stakeholders involved in the administration of justice to play their part in fighting corruption. A corrupt society corrupts public institutions. Desist from tempting judicial officers with bribes.”
The chief magistrate further urged judicial officers to familiarise themselves with the new Constitution adding that the implementation of the new constitutional provisions was more challenging for judicial officers who did not familiarise themselves with the Supreme Law.
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Chief law officer Tawanda Zvekare, also urged the magistrates to shun corruption and uphold the dignity of the profession.
“This will in turn ensure that the people of Zimbabwe will continue to repose confidence in our judicial system leading to the attainment of justice, equity and the rule of law,” Zvekare said.
“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the restoration of the retention allowances to magistrates which prosecutors were also receiving. We believe the government must immediately do the same for prosecutors to ensure improved staff morale and greater operational efficiency.”
Zvekare’s sentiments were also echoed by the president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Lloyd Mhishi, who urged judicial officers to report any of his members who behaved in a manner unbefitting for judicial officers.
