Redeployment of magistrates shelved

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has deferred the transfer of 52 magistrates who were set to be redeployed to different stations across the country.

The redeployment that was supposed to take place next month, would have seen some magistrates being demoted from being resident magistrates in charge of stations to ordinary magistrates.

In a circular addressed to all magistrates in charge of provinces, Chief magistrate Mr Mishrod Guvamombe said the transfers have been deferred until further notice. He cited undisclosed factors on the ground.

“After taking into consideration various factors obtaining on the ground and in order to mitigate hardships afflicting magistrates, please be advised that the recently approved transfers of magistrates have been deferred until further notice. Please bring this information to the attention of every magistrate in your province,” said Mr Guvamombe.

In the Bulawayo, Ms Gladmore Mushove had been transferred to Hwange Magistrate’s Courts where she was supposed to take over from Ms Rose Dube as the resident magistrate. Mr Tinashe Tashaya had been moved from the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court to Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court.

In Midlands province, Mr Tavengwa Sangster had been moved to Gweru as an ordinary magistrate from Shurugwi where he was resident magistrate.

Taking up Mr Sangster’s position was Ms Judith Taruvinga who was stationed in Gweru.

In September last year, two Bulawayo magistrates who were redeployed to new stations resigned.

@mashnets