Harare (New Ziana)-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday swore in a three–member tribunal to inquire into the fitness of suspended Supreme Court Judge Francis Bere to continue holding office after a lawyer accused him of interfering in a civil case.

It is the second time that Justice Bere has faced an ethics inquiry after being cleared in January last year over a conflict of interest complaint filed by Meikles chairman, John Moxon.

In the latest allegation, lawyer Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, acting for the Zimbabwe Road Administration (Zinara), said Justice Bere called him on his mobile phone requesting that he settles a civil dispute between the roads agency and a company called Fremus Enterprises, which is allegedly owned by his relatives.

Ndudzo made the claim during a court hearing, prompting deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza to advise him to file a formal complaint.

Retired Judge Simbi Mubako chairs the tribunal, whose other members include lawyers Takawira Nzombe and Rekai Maposa.

Speaking to the media after taking the oath, Mubako said President Mnangagwa had expressed confidence that the team would do justice to the inquiry.

“The President was simply wishing us good luck and telling us that he has confidence that we are going to do the job properly,” he said.

Mubako could however not give time frames when the tribunal was expected to complete the inquiry.

“We do not know how long it is going to take. It depends on evidence that is going to come and the complexity of the case. We don’t know it yet because we have not started,” he said.

“We are starting today, laying the foundations and so on but proper work itself may start anytime this week or next week,” he said.

New Ziana