NEW: Govt awaits final decision on Chief Justice

Leroy Dzenga

Government respectfully disagrees “with the judgement of the Honourable Court” to invalidate the extension of Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s service by another five years, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabhiza.

Government and the Judicial Service Commission have since appealed the High Court ruling.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mrs Mabhiza said Government “strongly believes in the independence of the Judiciary and respects the principles of separation of powers as set out in the Constitution of Zimbabwe”.

“The Government of Zimbabwe therefore recognises the importance of the Judiciary as a dependable interpreter of the law where various opinions may arise,” she said.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, having given its full consideration to the judgment of the High Court in the above referenced matter, holds with respect, a different view and is unable, for many reasons to agree with the judgment of the Honourable Court in that matter. It has therefore taken measures to have the judgment set aside in accordance with the law. The Government of Zimbabwe will implement all necessary processes triggered by the noting of an appeal against the judgment.”

She said Government awaits the final decision of the court.

“Further, the authority of the judiciary and all its respective offices and structures remains in place with the courts fully functional in discharging their constitutional mandate.”