Online Reporter
Fidelis Munyoro
VETERAN jurist Justice Charles Hungwe has been appointed President of the Court of Appeal in a major reshuffle of Zimbabwe’s superior courts that has also seen three High Court judges elevated to the Supreme Court bench as Government continues efforts to strengthen the Judiciary and improve justice delivery.
The appointments mark the latest milestone in ongoing judicial reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, expanding access to justice and reinforcing public confidence in the legal system.
The restructuring has also strengthened the Supreme Court through the elevation of Justices Tawanda Chitapi, Happias Zhou and Joseph Mafusire from the High Court.
Justice Hungwe, who took his oath of office before Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza at the Constitutional Court, recently completed judicial duties in Lesotho, where he had been serving on secondment under the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Justice Chitapi and Justice Mavangira, who was elevated from the Supreme Court to the Constitutional Court, were also sworn in after missing an earlier ceremony due to official engagements outside the country.
Speaking after the ceremony, Justice Hungwe described his appointment as both an honour and a significant responsibility.
“It’s a new challenge, and I hope to live up to the expectations of the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Justice Hungwe reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to ongoing reform, saying judges have a critical role to play in addressing challenges and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
“Like all judges in Africa, challenges will be there. It is up to us to tackle them, overcome them, and foster pride in the justice system of Zimbabwe.”
The appointments form part of a broader judicial restructuring exercise that has seen the swearing-in of 33 judges following constitutional amendments that reconfigured the process for appointing superior court judges.
The reforms are intended to modernise the Judiciary and ensure it remains responsive to the country’s evolving social, economic and governance needs.
Beyond the latest appointments, Government has continued to implement measures aimed at widening access to justice, particularly for communities that previously faced barriers to legal services.
The decentralisation of courts, expansion of legal aid services and investment in digital court systems have helped bring justice closer to citizens while improving efficiency, accessibility and transparency within the courts.
The establishment of the Constitutional Court, together with continued investment in judicial training and institutional independence, has further strengthened the Judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of constitutional democracy and the protection of fundamental rights.
Recent progress in expanding access to justice reflects Government’s broader commitment to upholding the rule of law and building a transparent, efficient and equitable justice delivery system.
As the reforms continue to take effect, they are expected to ensure that every citizen, regardless of social or economic background, can fully enjoy the legal protections guaranteed under the Constitution.
