Law Society Urges Journalists to Help Expose Bogu...

Law Society Urges Journalists to Help Expose Bogus Lawyers

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Court Correspondent

The Law Society of Zimbabwe has called on journalists to play a proactive role in exposing bogus lawyers who are scamming the public.

Speaking at a recent training workshop held at LSZ offices in the Central Business District, LSZ president Lison Ncube emphasized that protecting the integrity of the justice system is crucial to Zimbabwe’s economic and social development.

He revealed that the society has encountered numerous cases where individuals lost money to fake legal practitioners, only to seek help from LSZ after being defrauded.

"The Law Society of Zimbabwe remains deeply concerned about the rising number of bogus lawyers and pseudo-legal service providers who deceive the public and vanish with their hard-earned money. Sadly, these victims come to us for assistance, but all we can do is refer them to the police for criminal investigation and prosecution," Ncube said.

He commended authorities for their swift action in dealing with such cases but stressed that more needs to be done.

"Stakeholders, particularly the media, should assist in uprooting these fraudsters from our midst," he said.

To help the public identify legitimate legal practitioners, Ncube highlighted that LSZ regularly updates its website with a list of registered lawyers, as well as those who have been suspended or deregistered.

"We urge the public to verify a lawyer’s status with our offices or insist on a current and valid Practicing Certificate before engaging their services," he added.

Ncube also advised against making legal payments outside law firm offices and urged clients to always request a proper receipt or trust account receipt for any transactions.

"We take this opportunity to reassure stakeholders that LSZ remains strict in enforcing legal standards. There is no hiding place for errant lawyers," he said.

He emphasized that the media has a critical role in informing and protecting the public by exposing fraudulent legal practitioners.

"Ordinary citizens must have confidence in the justice system, and the media is key to this by shaping public opinion and providing vital information," Ncube concluded.