Harare, (New Ziana) -Chief Justice of Zimbabwe, Justice Luke Malaba, will retire from service on May 15 next year, marking the end of a judicial career spanning more than four decades, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has said.
In a statement, the JSC said Justice Malaba will retire at midnight on May 14 next year, in line with Section 186 (1) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the Chief Justice retires upon reaching the age of 70, unless they elect to extend their tenure by a further 5 years.
Justice Malaba exercised this constitutional option five years ago, extending his service to next year.
The Commission said preparations are already underway to formally honour the outgoing Chief Justice.
“On May 14, a special sitting of the court will be convened in his honour, followed by a dinner celebrating his service to the nation as a Magistrate, Judge, Judge of Appeal and Chief Justice,” it said.
Invitations will be extended to senior figures from the Executive, Legislature, and justice sector institutions, as well as regional and international judicial colleagues.
The JSC also moved to dispel claims circulating in sections of the media that Justice Malaba was required to proceed on leave pending retirement and had “refused” to do so.
It described such reports as legally inaccurate and misleading, stressing that there is no mandatory requirement for a Chief Justice to take pre-retirement leave, as that remains a discretionary matter.
“It is erroneous to characterise the lawful exercise of discretion as a refusal,” the Commission said, adding that suggestions of impropriety create a false public impression.
The Commission further dismissed assertions that no transition arrangements are in place, noting that the Constitution and relevant laws clearly outline procedures for the retirement of a Chief Justice, which will be followed accordingly.
Emphasizing the importance of accuracy in reporting on judicial matters, the JSC urged the media house concerned to correct the record in the interests of fairness, public trust and responsible journalism.
New Ziana
