The ongoing Chief Justice Malaba saga has led to the rise of other questions relating to the trustworthiness of the country’s judiciary system. The President decided to jump in and share a few remarks on the matter. Unfortunately his remarks might not have the effect he might have hoped they would.
For those who are unaware of what has been happening, Chief Justice Malaba’s tenure was momentarily extended by the President. The high court later ruled against this. During the course of these court proceedings the Minister of Justice himself is said to have tried to interrupt.
Another urgent chamber application is said to have been filed by the minister while he simultaneously hinted that the judges were not just.
The President set that statement straight in his tweet stating:
In Zimbabwe, the independence of our judiciary is vital to the survival of our democracy. When our courts speak, all Zimbabweans should listen.
The Government or Zimbabwe wholeheartedly respects the independence of our judiciary.
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) May 18, 2021
This statement supported the stance later adopted by Ziyambi’s ministry that said:
However, people on social media where these statements were released pointed out to the contradictory nature of the President’s word versus his actions. Although he mentions that the government respects the independence of the judiciary, the terms of the Constitution Amendment Bill (no2) seem to say otherwise.
Critics have previously pointed out that the amendment bill (no2) gives the President the ability to override the judiciary in some matters. View the terms of the bill here.
One such comment was shared by a Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights member, Doug Coltart. View the tweet below:
With respect, sir, unless you fire Minister Ziyambi for his appalling attack on the judges, this all means nothing.
Also, if you care about the independence of the judiciary, why pass Constitutional Amendment No. 1 and 2 *both* of which undermine the judiciary’s independence? https://t.co/2S2eW216Et
— Doug Coltart ✊🏼🇿🇼 (@DougColtart) May 18, 2021
What are your thoughts?
Let us know in the comment section below.