Magistrates commended

Fungai Lupande in Victoria Falls
Chief Magistrate Mr Mishrod Guvamombe yesterday commended magistrates for their impressive work in ensuring effective litigation and guarding against founding principles of the new Constitution.

Speaking at the official opening of the Magistrates’ Association of Zimbabwe annual general meeting in Victoria Falls, Mr Guvamombe said all magistrates worked tirelessly to bring back the value of magistracy in the country.

“I feel equally privileged to be part of this winning team. You brought back the value of efficient litigation in a system where public confidence in the administration of justice had become low.

“I appreciate the good work that you are doing. Every station across the nation is totally in charge when it comes to issues of backlog.

“The Judicial Services Commission is equally impressed with your work as magistrates,” he said.

Mr Guvamombe added that transparency, justice and responsiveness were some of the founding principles of the new Constitution.

“The Constitution puts that responsibility squarely on your shoulders as judicial officers. We are the central organ in the dispensation of justice and protection of human rights.

“While finality to litigation is one of the milestones, it will become meaningless if we fail to attach standards to our services.

“Our decisions, judgments, ruling and sentences must be sound in legal reasoning, must be relevant and of high quality,” he said.

Mr Guvamombe took a swipe at corrupt magistrates saying, “only fools test the depth of a river with both legs. Ears that don’t listen to advice accompany the head when it gets chopped. I am whispering a gentle warning to those in this room who partake in this illicit and Nicodemus dealings,” said Mr Guvamombe.

He, however, alluded that the majority of magistrates were incorruptible and clean.

Mr Guvamombe revealed that by end of 2015 every station would have a decent courthouse.

He said regional magistrates would receive either a Toyota Hilux or a Ford Ranger, a revelation that was greeted with ululations and cheers.