LSZ Finds Advocate Ndhlovu Guilty of Unprofessiona...

LSZ Finds Advocate Ndhlovu Guilty of Unprofessional Conduct Over Assault Allegation

Zim Now Writer

The Law Society of Zimbabwe has found Advocate Method Ndhlovu guilty of unprofessional conduct, following allegations that he physically assaulted fellow legal practitioner Gabriel Maromo at the High Court of Zimbabwe.

In a letter dated May 22, the LSZ informed Ndhlovu that its Council had deliberated on the complaint at a meeting held on April 28, 2025, and found him guilty based on affidavits provided by witnesses.

“The main allegation against you was that you physically assaulted the Complainant at the High Court of Zimbabwe by slapping him across his face,” the letter reads.

Ndhlovu denied the accusation and argued that, having been acquitted by the Magistrates’ Court, “the Law Society had no jurisdiction to revisit or further investigate a matter that had already been adjudicated by the court.” He further argued that the acquittal “could only be overturned by a higher court with the appropriate jurisdiction.”

However, the Council dismissed that position, stating, “The Law Society's disciplinary process is sui generis, meaning it operates independently of criminal proceedings.” It emphasized that “your acquittal in court does not prevent the Law Society from taking action if there is prima facie evidence of professional misconduct.”

In reinforcing the lower burden of proof in disciplinary proceedings, the Council added: “Council further noted that the standard of proof in criminal matters is ‘beyond reasonable doubt,’ a much higher threshold than in civil or disciplinary proceedings.” It cited the precedent of Njanike v Chairman, Police Service Commission HH 584/14 to support the distinction between criminal and professional misconduct proceedings.

According to the letter, “the affidavit signed by the witnesses to the incident proved that, you indeed assaulted the Complainant.” The Council also noted that “the fact that both witnesses did not testify in court is a matter for the court to determine, not for the LSZ to speculate.”

As a result, the Council ruled that Ndhlovu was guilty “of unprofessional conduct for failing or neglecting to treat professional colleagues with respect, courtesy, and fairness in contravention of By-Law 3(23) of the Legal Practitioner (Code of Conduct) By-Laws, 2018.”

The LSZ has requested Ndhlovu to file submissions in mitigation within 14 days, warning that “Council will deliberate on sentence without further reference to you” if he fails to comply.

Mr. Maromo has been copied in the letter. The matter now awaits the outcome of the sentencing process.