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Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
EIGHT new High Court judges yesterday took judicial oaths before Chief Justice Luke Malaba, vowing to be faithful to Zimbabwe and to uphold and administer the Constitution without fear or favour. Justices Pisirayi Kwenda, Sylvia Chirawu, Neville Wamambo, Isaac Muzenda, Philda Muzofa, Jacob Manzunzu, Thompson James Mabhikwa and Benjamin Chikowero, who have been practicing law in different capacities, yesterday could not hide their joy as they crossed over to the High Court bench.

In an interview, Justice Chirawu said the appointment was a continuation of the practice of law from the other side. “I am very happy to be appointed as a judge,” she said.

“Having practiced as a lawyer, a university law lecturer and a director of the Women in Law Southern Africa, I feel the appointment is a continuation of the legal profession. As I stated while taking oath, I will uphold the law and apply it without fear or favour.” Justice Kwenda said the bench would benefit from his wealth of experience as a prosecutor and lawyer in private practice.

“I have been faithful to the justice delivery system,” he said.

“I started off as a prosecutor and I rose through the ranks becoming a chief law officer. I later left for private practice. I have practised all areas of law and I believe the jurisprudence will benefit a lot from the experience I gained over the years.” Justice Wamambo said: “I feel very humbled to be appointed judge of the High Court.

“I look forward to contributing significantly to the dispensing of expeditious justice to all people.”
Justice Mabhikwa vowed to deliver to expectation.
“I will deliver and treat all people equally and in accordance with the law,” he said.

“It feels great to be a judge after serving as a lawyer for a long time. I am happy to be on the other side of the practice of law.” The judges were sworn-in following their appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move expected to reduce the backlog of cases at the superior court.

They were appointed after public interviews held by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) last year. The eight were among the list of top performers, whose names were recommended for appointment by the JSC.

From the list of the successful ones, the President had to appoint eight of them to the bench.