Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
President Mnangagwa has established a tribunal to investigate allegations against Justice Never Katiyo, a sitting judge of the High Court accused of gross misconduct.
Acting on advice from the Judicial Service Commission, the President invoked powers under section 187 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution to initiate the inquiry.
The tribunal, chaired by Retired Justice Maphios Cheda, is tasked with determining whether Justice Katiyo’s conduct warrants removal from office.
The allegations against Justice Katiyo include irregularities in handling cases.
He is accused of delivering a judgment ahead of the scheduled hearing date, attributing submissions to advocates who did not appear before him, and altering the date of a judgment to benefit a party seeking to appeal.
Further accusations involve rescinding his own judgment to obstruct investigations and granting an application for appeal before the respondents had filed opposing papers.
Additionally, Justice Katiyo is alleged to have delayed delivering a judgment in another case for nine months, exceeding the timeframe set by the judicial code of ethics.
The tribunal will examine these claims alongside evidence submitted by the Judicial Service Commission. Its mandate includes assessing whether Justice Katiyo is fit to hold office and making recommendations to the President. The inquiry will span five months, with findings to be submitted within 30 days of its conclusion.
The tribunal comprises Retired Justice Cheda as chairperson, along with members lawyers Mr Tafadzwa Hungwe and Mr Chaka Mashoko.
The proceedings, which may be held in public or private, are expected to shed light on the integrity of judicial conduct and accountability in the country.
