Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday honoured recently retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba with an agricultural mechanisation package in recognition of his decades of service to Zimbabwe’s judiciary and his contribution to the development of the country’s legal system.
The President presented Chief Justice Malaba with a tractor, a Nissan UD truck, a boom sprayer and a planter at State House in Harare, saying the package was meant to support his transition into retirement and encourage him to continue contributing to national development through agriculture.
In a statement following the meeting, President Mnangagwa paid tribute to Chief Justice Malaba’s distinguished career, describing him as a dedicated jurist whose leadership helped shape the country’s judiciary.
“It was my pleasure to welcome the recently retired Chief Justice, Luke Malaba, to State House today. In recognition of his outstanding service spanning decades, unwavering commitment and exemplary legal leadership within the Zimbabwean judiciary, I presented him with an agricultural mechanisation package to facilitate his transition into post-retirement life,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President said while Chief Justice Malaba had concluded his judicial duties, his expertise and commitment to national development remained valuable assets to the country.
“As he retires from the judiciary, I encourage him to leverage his vast expertise in the agricultural sector. Our land is a vital asset and productivity must persist at all levels. I applaud the retired Chief Justice for his dedication to the nation and wish him every success in his future agricultural ventures,” he said.
Chief Justice Malaba retired recently after reaching the constitutional retirement age of 70, bringing to an end a judicial career that spanned more than four decades.
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced legal minds, Chief Justice Malaba was appointed a judge of the High Court in 1994. He later rose through the ranks, serving as a Judge of Appeal before being appointed Deputy Chief Justice in 2015.
In March 2017, he was appointed Chief Justice, becoming the head of Zimbabwe’s judiciary and assuming responsibility of overseeing the administration of justice and the operations of the country’s courts.
During his tenure, the judiciary embarked on an ambitious modernisation programme that saw the introduction of electronic case management systems, virtual court proceedings and other digital reforms aimed at improving access to justice and reducing case backlogs.
His leadership also coincided with efforts to decentralise superior courts and expand judicial services to previously underserved areas, in line with the Government’s devolution agenda.
Chief Justice Malaba presided over a number of landmark constitutional and electoral cases and played a central role in interpreting the Constitution during a period marked by significant political and legal developments in the country. He also championed judicial training and capacity-building initiatives while advocating for the independence of the judiciary and the strengthening of the rule of law.
Throughout his legal career, Chief Justice Malaba served in various capacities within regional and international judicial bodies, earning recognition for his contribution to jurisprudence and judicial administration.
His retirement marked the end of an era for Zimbabwe’s judiciary, with legal practitioners and judicial officers acknowledging his role in steering the institution through a period of transformation and technological advancement.
He was replaced by Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza who was sworn in by President Mnangagwa on 15 May 2026.
