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New magistrates urged to shun corruption

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Chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe yesterday swore in three new magistrates at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, bringing to 201 the number of judicial officers countrywide.

Chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe yesterday swore in three new magistrates at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, bringing to 201 the number of judicial officers countrywide.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Law Society of Zimbabwe president Misheck Hogwe
Law Society of Zimbabwe president Misheck Hogwe

The three are Perseverance Makala, Isabel Nyoni and Amanda Muridzo.

Guvamombe said there were 49 vacant posts for magistrates countrywide, but they could not recruit due to the job freeze imposed by the Treasury.

“Out of an authorised establishment of 250 magistrates, only 201 are in posts. There are 49 vacancies in the department, but unfortunately, due to the job freeze imposed by Treasury, we cannot recruit,” he said.

“The Judicial Service Commission secretariat is seized with the matter. I am fully aware that efforts have been made to engage the Treasury.”

Guvamombe also urged the new magistrates to resist corruption in whatever form it may be exposed.

“Corruption is a cancer that has permeated all facets of society, if it is allowed to take root in the judiciary, it can undermine justice delivery by denying justice to litigants,” he added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Prosecutor-General Advocate Ray Goba urged the new magistrates to accept criticism.

“Some criticism will be made to you in your face in court or pleadings, other criticism will be made in other ways, for example, in or by superior courts on appeal or review and there is an old adage that goes, to err is human,” he said.

President of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Misheck Hogwe welcomed the appointments based on gender inclusivity.

Hogwe said the appointments were in line with the Constitution which requires State and non-State institutions to ensure gender parity in their operations.

The three were trainee magistrates prior to their appointments, while Muridzo once served as a judge’s assistant with the Judicial Service Commission. They all hold law degrees.