Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe, Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa on Tuesday, April 25 swore in a tribunal to investigate Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Martin Makonese on his suitability for judicial office after he issued an order in a commercial dispute in which he allegedly had a financial interest.
President Mnangagwa set up the tribunal on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.
Justice Makonese is now suspended pending the finalisation of the investigation, the standard procedure when a tribunal is set up.
The tribunal has five months to complete the probe from the date of taking oaths before the President.
If the tribunal finds there is conduct so improper that the judge can no longer sit on the bench, the President can dismiss the judge based on the recommendations.
Justice Makonese becomes the fourth judge in the Second Republic to be hauled before a tribunal to look into the question of his suitability to continue working as a judge.
Supreme Court judge Justice Francis Bere and High Court judges Justices Erica Ndewere and Thompson Mabhikwa have since been fired from the bench over gross misconduct.
Posting on his official twitter account, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said “Today, His Excellency, President @edmnangagwa is swearing in members of the tribunal that will look into the fitness of Bulawayo High Court Judge, Justice Martin Makonese, to hold office.
“Justice Makonese has been suspended pending the finalisation of the investigation, which is the standard procedure once a tribunal is set up.”
In a gazette notice dated April 20, President Mnangagwa appointed the three-member team headed by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako to inquire into the allegations against Justice Makonese and determine his suitability to hold the top judicial office.
The other members are Mr Gift Manyatera and Mrs Sarah Moyo, both practising lawyers.
Online Reporter