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Bulawayo Bureau
JUSTICE, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa last week dismissed claims by an MDC-T legislator that the Judiciary was struggling to interpret some laws as they were in conflict with the new Constitution. Posing a question to Minister Mnangagwa in the National Assembly, MDC-T Kambuzuma legislator Willias Madzimure said they had seen the Judiciary struggling to interpret some laws.
“While we acknowledge the efforts the minister is putting in making sure that people are conscientised, and they know the Constitution, we have seen the Judiciary struggling to interpret some of the laws because they now conflict with the Constitution,” said Madzimure.
“What efforts are you making to ensure that the alignment of the laws is done much quicker, considering that is now more than a year after we adopted the new Constitution?”
Minister Mnangagwa said the judiciary comprised learned people, adding that he was also there for guidance.
“Mr Speaker Sir, the honourable member says, the Judges have difficulty in interpreting the Constitution. I have no doubt, the Judiciary are fully aware that in the Executive they have a Minister who represents them,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
He said the judiciary had access to him and he had not received any complaint to indicate they faced challenges in interpreting the Constitution.
“If indeed it is so, my doors are open, so that I hear from them, which areas of the Constitution give them problems in their interpretation.
“They are the learned gentlemen we have whose duty is to interpret the laws of this country, including the Constitution,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
He said where there is conflict, the judiciary is guided by the existing law and the Constitution.
“If an Act of Parliament is in conflict with the Constitution, the Constitution prevails over the Act of Parliament. I am not sure, as to the source of his knowledge with regard to this. I have confidence in the Judiciary,” said Minister Mnangagwa.
Online Reporter