Bulawayo top judge retires

Chronicle Writer

SENIOR Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice David Mangota, has retired after an illustrious 44-year career in the justice sector.
The announcement was made by Chief Justice Luke Malaba during the official opening of the 2025 legal year in Bulawayo yesterday.

Justice Mangota, who retired on December 31 last year, is celebrated for his significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s judiciary.
Chief Justice Malaba expressed his admiration, saying: “I conclude my remarks with a celebratory message to honour a man who has made an immense impact on Zimbabwe, particularly in the judiciary. Justice David Mangota retired as a Judge of the High Court on December 31, 2024, after dedicating 44 years of service to the justice sector, beginning on January 5, 1980.”

Justice Mangota’s career began in the judiciary as a magisterial assistant, and his rise through the ranks was marked by notable achievements.

In 1998, he became Chief Magistrate, and from 2001 to 2012, he served as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. In 2012, he was appointed as a High Court judge, and at the time of his retirement, he held the position of Senior Judge for the Bulawayo Division of the High Court.

Chief Justice Malaba extended his congratulations, saying: “On behalf of the Judicial Service Commission, the Judiciary and personally, I wish to congratulate Justice David Mangota for his disciplined and diligent service to the bench. I wish him all the best as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement.”