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Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku yesterday urged judicial officers to emulate the professionalism and leadership qualities displayed by the late national hero and High Court judge Justice Andrew Mutema.
Addressing judges, lawyers and other members of the legal fraternity at a special sitting of the court held to honour and celebrate the life of the late Justice Mutema, the Judiciary boss described him as an excellent performer who carried out his duties with distinction.
“On February 1. 2013, he (Justice Mutema) was reassigned and redeployed as the judge in charge of the High Court at Bulawayo, the position he held up to the time of his death.
“This saw him assume responsibilities of running the affairs of the High Court at Bulawayo as the senior judge in charge, a duty that he discharged with distinction.
“At the official opening of the legal year 2015, I had the occasion to record my satisfaction with the output of the High Court at Bulawayo and how this court appeared to have turned the corner.
“His (Justice Mutema) leadership inspired his fellow judges to greater heights of performance.
“I urge his colleagues to honour Justice Mutema’s legacy of hard work and excellent performance by emulating his example,” said Chief Justice Chidyausiku.
The Chief Justice said Justice Mutema’s leadership qualities earned him respect and international leadership positions.
“So impressed was I with his leadership qualities and capabilities that when the Vice President, Honourable E.D. Mnangagwa, acting in his capacity as Minister responsible for Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, requested me to recommend judges for appointment to the COMESA Court of Justice, I had no hesitation in forwarding his name for consideration.
“He was duly appointed and was sworn in as Judge in charge of the COMESA Court of Justice on April 31, 2015 and was due to have travelled to Sudan on COMESA Court business on Monday 24 August 2013,” he said.
Justice Mutema was also hailed for heading the Labour Court and the Administrative Court as the man in charge for years before being appointed a High Court judge.
Speaking at the same occasion, Deputy Prosecutor General Mrs Florence Ziyambi, described the late Justice Mutema as a great judge who contributed to the development of the law in Zimbabwe through brilliant judgments.
“On behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Prosecutor General, I join the legal fraternity in mourning the demise of a great judge in the person of Honourable Justice Mutema.
“Having been declared national hero, we in the learned profession of law, take solace from the jurisprudence left by Justice Mutema wherefrom students of law and practitioners will cherish to make reference and draw lessons,” said Mrs Ziyambi.
Mrs Ziyambi said brilliant judgments by the late judge provided guidance to the NPA.
“In Justice Mutema, we receive countless guidance from his court rulings during criminal trials and review judgments.
“There is virtually no substitute for experience.
“Sometimes, as litigants, we may be aggrieved by court decisions not granted in our favour to an extent of contemplating a hasty appeal to the Supreme Court, but my Lords and Ladies, I must confess that one would have a second thought upon reading Justice Mutema’s reasons for that particular decision,” she said.
Attorney General Advocate Prince Machaya, said his office held the late judge in high esteem.
“Many of my officers routinely appeared before the late Justice Mutema both in Harare and Bulawayo and we all held him in high esteem.
“On behalf of my office and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend sincere condolences to the family of the late Justice Mutema, to you My Lord Chief Justice and to the entire Judiciary of Zimbabwe on the sad and untimely passing on of the Honourable Justice Mutema.
“May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Adv Machaya.
Bar Association of Zimbabwe representative Advocate Richard Fitsches described him as a deserving judge who had all the qualities of a judicial officer.
“It was always a pleasure to appear before him. The lasting impression of such appearances is that he was courteous, punctual, impartial and was deserving of the significant honour of the judicial office bestowed upon him.
“ He was above all, patient.
“To the Judiciary, he will be remembered for his contribution to the delivery of justice, its contribution to the profession and to our country, the Republic of Zimbabwe,” said Adv Fitsches.
Justice Mutema died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo on August 21 this year after collapsing.
He was declared a national hero before being buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on August 29.
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