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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
ACTING President Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday mourned the death of High Court judge, Justice Elijah Makomo on Sunday morning at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.
In a statement on behalf of President Mnangagwa, he described the late Justice Makomo as one of the best judges that the country has ever had.
“I learnt with deep sorrow and sadness of the passing on yesterday, Sunday 25 December 2022, of Justice Elijah Makomo, a Judge of the High Court. His sudden demise on Christmas Day at the Avenues Clinic came as a shock as I was not aware that he was unwell,” said Dr Chiwenga.
He said Justice Makomo was one of the sharpest legal minds in the country whose death has left the legal fraternity poorer.
Vice-President Chiwenga said Justice Makomo’s remarkable work ethic saw him rise steadily through the ranks until he became a judge of the High Court. He said the late judge carried out his duties with great ability, diligence and integrity.
Dr Chiwenga also commended the late Justice Makomo for his high-level professionalism that he displayed throughout his life.
“On behalf of His Excellency President Dr E D Mnangagwa who is now on vacation, Government, my family, and on my behalf, I wish to express my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Makomo family, especially his immediate family, the bench and the entire legal fraternity on this, their saddest loss,” he said.
“As the family grieves over this loss, may it find comfort in that our whole nation joins and shares in their grief. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Dr Chiwenga.
Justice Makomo was born on January 9, 1978. He studied Law with the University of South Africa and was a holder of a Master of Laws in Corporate Law and Masters in Business Administration.
Justice Makomo joined the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs as a magistrate in 2005. He rose through the ranks and became the Deputy Chief Magistrate in 2018. In between, he was a Registrar of the High Court from 2012 to 2013.
In 2019, he became the Chief Registrar of the Superior Courts and was appointed the JSC head of policy and legal services in 2020.
In 2021, he became a judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe. He was an avid reader and a sharp legal mind whose intellectual prowess will be fondly remembered.
Mourners are gathered at number 323, off Riston Road, New Grange, Harare.
In a statement, the Judicial Service Commission also expressed condolences to the Makomo family. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter