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Lovemore Meya Features Correspondent
Gone too soon, could be the only way to define the untimely death of Chitungwiza resident magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Stewart Jarabini.  Jarabini died on Wednesday March 19, 2014. He was 36.
Mr Jarabini, popularly known to his colleagues as “JB”, died after a short illness.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the magistracy fraternity at large.

His immense contribution to the judiciary cannot go unmentioned and this was a blow to many, judging from his handling of different situations with a warm smile on his face.

But, death makes its own choices and brooks no argument with the living.

Jarabini on March 17 held a meeting with fellow magistrates at his station and but returned home complaining that he was not feeling well.

When I first met him, I realised that he was such a kind person who was ever smiling, joking and educating.

His death came as a bolt from the blue with many describing him as a man who endured hardships during his childhood.

At only 36, this was a life so short-lived for a man who was a darling of all and sundry in his profession and related fields.

Those who knew him within and outside work spoke at length on the man “JB” grew up to be in his profession and social life.

The First Lady Amai Mugabe his maternal aunt, described him as a role model, a humble young man who did not let fame get to his head.

“Kuda grew up in difficult circumstances following the death of his parents and had no one to turn to meet his needs. I sent him to school after my sister Mai Gumbochuma approached me with his plight and she also played a pivotal role in his life by including him in her family.

“She gave him a place to stay after his mother died in 1995. After passing his Ordinary Levels he had no money to go to Advanced Level, but his brother Martin asked me to assist and I even encouraged him to go ahead with school,” she said.

Amai Mugabe said Jarabhini was very polite, humble and focused.

“His death has robbed us of a great fortune, for Kuda was still young and left us with bleeding hearts. If I were to vote for someone to die, I do not think I could have chosen Kuda.

“He was exemplary and I hope we all have learnt one or two things from him that even though he grew up in poverty, Kuda still had the heart to help and was never pompous,” she said.

That was Amai Mugabe’s description of man who took his duties seriously and had a passion to learn more.

Chitungwiza Area Public Prosecutor Mr Andrew Kumire described him not as a friend but a young brother who was dedicated to his duties.

“I have worked with a number of magistrates at this court, but with Jarabini he was more of a brother than a colleague. He was a perfect link between magistracy and prosecution, creating a single entity that made the working environment enjoyable,” he said.

Mr Kumire said March 19 would remain a sad day in their minds for it robbed them of a good and humble leader.

Chief Magistrate Mr Mishrod Guvamombe said he first met Mr Jarabini when he was coming from law school in 2006 with five others.

“That time I was the head of magistrates and it did not take me long to see the potential in him. He was obedient, polite and humble and through his dedication and hard work, it did not take me long to summon him to head Chitungwiza as a resident magistrate.

“The station was rotting with corruption, but with him on the ground, sanity prevailed. It is going to be difficult for us to find someone who can fit into the big shoes that he has left,” he said.

Jarabhini’s brother Martin said he was still to come to terms with his death.

“I am saddened by the death of my young brother for he was someone well-spoken, warm-hearted and willing to help. He will surely be missed by the family.”

Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei said the late Jarabhini was a teacher and a mentor who had helped mould a number of colleagues despite his relatively young age.

“I first met Jarabini in 2008 when I joined the Judicial Service Commission. He was one of the people who received us when we were still fresh from the university. “

“Like a brother, very polite, he groomed and taught me the ropes of magistracy. I owe my success to him.

“His maturity and dedication to duty was exemplary. Jarabhini was in total control and we never heard any complaints from the chief magistrate ever since he stepped his foot at the station. Chitungwiza was a problem but with him on the ground normalcy prevailed,” he said.

His wife, Memory added: “My husband was a cheerful person who rarely got upset. Most people will remember him for his kind hearted nature.

“He worked well with his workmates. He was a hard worker, committed to his work and had a great passion for his work. His death has left a great void in my heart which will never be filled.”

Born on February 1, 1978 in Marondera, Mr Jarabhini attended Madzivire Primary School and Ranch Secondary School in Chivhu from 1987 to 1998.

He completed his A-Levels at St Xavier Kutama College before enrolling at Fort Hare University in South Africa where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree.

On completion of his studies, Jarabhini joined the Judicial Service Commission as trainee magistrate on May 10, 2006 at Harare Magistrates Court.

He was sworn in as a magistrate in 2007.

Jarabini’s dedication saw him rising through the magistracy ladder to become Chitungwiza Resident Magistrate in September 2012, an office he held at the time of his death.

May his dear soul rest in peace!

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