Online Reporter
Welcome to our live coverage of the 2026 Legal Year opening ceremony.
Today, we gather at the Constitutional Court in Harare as Chief Justice Luke Malaba officially inaugurates the judicial calendar, marking an important event in Zimbabwe’s legal landscape.
This year’s theme, “Using Performance Management and Technology to Ensure Quality, Inclusive, and Sustainable Judicial Service,” highlights the vital role of innovation in enhancing judicial effectiveness.
As the Chief Justice inspects the Guard of Honour and leads us through this significant ceremony, we look forward to insights from various leaders, including Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, who will oversee events in Bulawayo.
Justice Bharat Patel will lead proceedings in Chinhoyi, while Justice Paddington Garwe will officiate in Masvingo.
Stay with us as our Senior Reporter, Nyore Madzianike, brings you live updates and key highlights from today’s proceedings.
A united front for justice
Among the distinguished attendees at the opening of the 2026 Legal Year are notable figures from Zimbabwe’s legal spheres and Government.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is in attendance. The minister plays a crucial role in shaping legal policies and ensuring the smooth operation of the judiciary.
He will be joined by Mr Michael Reza, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, who is pivotal in the fight against corruption and promoting integrity within public offices.
Making a significant local impact, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume brings insights from municipal governance and its intersection with legal frameworks.
Additionally, the presence of esteemed judges from superior courts and magistrates reinforces the commitment of the judiciary to uphold justice and ensure equitable legal representation.
Legal representatives from various sectors are also in attendance, highlighting the collaborative approach required for a robust judicial system. Together, they underscore the importance of shared leadership in fostering a fair and efficient judiciary in Zimbabwe.
Scenes at the Constitutional Court in Harare, where Chief Justice Luke Malaba is officially opening the 2026 Legal Year. : Memory Mangombe
Happening in Masvingo
Chief Justice Malaba highlights fraud spike amid economic advancement
The continued economic growth recorded under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and an enlightened citizenry on legal issues led to an increase in the number of reported criminal cases in 2025, particularly in fraud, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said.
Chief Justice Malaba said this during his keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Legal Year today.
He noted that during the period under review, observations indicated that as the economy grew, the enhanced economic activities also resulted in an increase in civil disputes and criminal cases, especially those involving dishonesty, including fraud.
Chief Justice Malaba remarked that the rise in civil cases reflects a society that has become highly aware of its rights.
“In circumstances of such increased litigation, the courts must be seen to be responding positively by adjudicating and finalising matters filed in registries promptly, with weekly or no delays.
“It is such responses by the courts that ensure a corresponding high number of cases are completed, allowing the backlog of cases in the court to be kept under control.
“A bird’s-eye view assessment of the performances of the courts show that judges across all the superior courts and magistrates delivered exceptional performances.
“The backlogs were kept under control in all courts during the course of the year, except in the civil courts and the magistrates’ courts,” he said.
