Integrity of judges questionable?

The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is worried about the quality of judges making it to the bench as there are many of them having to face tribunals.

“We are very worried about the frequency of the tribunals because what it shows is that something needs to be done to improve the integrity of the judges,” ministry permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza said after the swearing in of a tribunal to investigate Justice Martin Makonese’s suitability to remain in office.

Justice Makonese immediately quit after President Mnangagwa had sworn in the Simbi Mubako led tribunal to investigate his conduct.

Mabhiza said that the current selection process could be flawed.

“You may recall or you may be aware that to date we have seen four judges leaving office through tribunals. My opinion is that perhaps in the appointment processes, you might be aware that in the past the President would appoint judges after considering a number of factors including integrity, honesty and all other virtues.

“Unfortunately, the new system of interviews seems to be bringing on board people who lack integrity.”

The four judges that have been fired by the president for gross incompetence are Francis Bere, Erica Ndewere, Thompson James Mabhikwa and Edith Mushore

“I am not saying that they lack integrity but one can make that conclusion as you can see the frequency at which judges are coming for tribunals. This is what is happening and it is quite worrying,” Mabhzia said.

“The old process was more thorough in the sense that most of the judges were tried and tested. Most of them were senior civil servants, having served with integrity and with a lot of knowledge on the subject matter. So I think it was more useful and serving the purpose.”