Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo,Zimpapers Reporter
CHIEF Justice Mr Luke Malaba is tomorrow expected to preside over the official opening of the 2026 legal year in Harare, while Deputy Chief Justice Mrs Elizabeth Gwaunza will lead proceedings in Bulawayo.
In a brief statement, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) said Justices Garwe, Gowora and Patel will officiate in Masvingo, Mutare and Chinhoyi respectively.
“It is all systems go for the official opening of the 2026 Legal Year in Harare tomorrow, where the Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr Luke Malaba, is expected to lead proceedings. Deputy Chief Justice Mrs Elizabeth Gwaunza will preside over the ceremony in Bulawayo. Constitutional Court judges, Justices Garwe, Gowora and Patel, will officiate in Masvingo, Mutare and Chinhoyi respectively,” said the JSC.
Last year, the event was held outside Harare for the first time after it was moved to Bulawayo, in line with the Second Republic’s decentralisation of national events philosophy.
In his keynote address during last year’s opening ceremony, Chief Justice Malaba called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in the justice delivery system, emphasising that the judiciary alone cannot build public confidence without the support of the entire criminal justice value chain.
He said the establishment of the National Council on Administration of the Criminal Justice System was a critical step towards expediting criminal trials and fostering co-operation.
