Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
IT is all systems go for the official opening of the 2024 legal year that is slated for tomorrow where Chief Justice Luke Malaba will preside in Harare with the Deputy Chief Justice, Judge President of the High Court and other Constitutional Court judges expected to preside over opening ceremonies in other provinces.
This year’s event is also set to witness the inaugural Chief Justice’s dinner in Harare and is expected to be graced by Acting President General Constantino Chiwenga and Vice-President Kembo Mohadi.
Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza will preside over the event in Bulawayo while Justice Rita Makarau will be in Masvingo, Justice Paddington Garwe in Mutare and Judge President Justice Mary Zimba-Dube in Chinhoyi.
Sunday News visited the Bulawayo High Court yesterday and witnessed members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police rehearsing for the event.
JSC head of corporate services Mr Daniel Nemukuyu said the opening of the Legal Year was an annual event and preparations were at an advanced stage.
“The 2024 legal year official opening is set for Monday 8 January. We are almost done with all preparations and as usual our main event will be held in Harare at the Constitutional Court where the Chief Justice will preside over the proceedings.
“The Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza will preside over at the Bulawayo High Court while Justice Rita Makarau will preside over at the Masvingo High Court. The Judge President, Justice Mary Zimba-Dube will preside over the ceremony in Chinhoyi while Justice Paddington Garwe will be at the Mutare High Court,” said Mr Nemukuyu.
He said after the official opening in Harare, a Chief Justice’s dinner will be held where long serving members of the Judicial Services Commission are expected to be honoured with the country’s Presidium expected to grace the event.
“In Harare, we will have the inaugural Chief Justice’s dinner which will be attended by Acting President General Constantino Chiwenga and Vice-President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi. The dinner will witness the awarding of long serving members within the Judicial Services Commission particularly with 30 years and above. These will include judges, magistrates and the general staff of the JSC,” said Mr Nemukuyu.
He said a number of projects are lined up for the JSC which include the construction of the Cowdray Park and Gwanda magistrates court with Chiredzi and Mutawatawa in Mashonaland East almost complete.
The JSC has also constructed an internet hub at the Bulawayo High Court which is expected to support the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS). The hub is expected to be opened in the first quarter of the year while the IECMS is expected to roll on to its fourth and final phase. -@nyeve14
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