Justice Maphios Cheda heads Makamure probe Tribuna...

Justice Maphios Cheda heads Makamure probe Tribunal

Retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda is head of the Tribunal sworn in by President ED yesterday to inquire into the question of the removal from office of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner John Makamure over a slew of allegations.

The Tribunal’s mandate is to determine whether the Zacc spokesperson failed to disclose his political activities, which is in direct conflict with the duties and functions of the anti-graft watchdog and whether or not he failed to disclose his interest as founder and trustee of the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust an organisation, whose objectives are inconsistent with the functions of ZACC and the government.

The Tribunal in terms of Section 237(2)(c) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which mandates that any member of an Independent Commission may only be removed from office on the grounds of gross misconduct.

Justice Cheda started as a clerk of the Court in 1975, was one of the first black law students at University of Zimbabwe post-Independence. He has been a judge of the High Court of Namibia as well as Bulawayo High Court.

He has presided over multiple tribunals including those of Justice Thompson Mabhikwa’s fitness to hold office over pornographic digital messages allegations. He recused himself as Chairman of the Tribunal set to inquire into the removal of office of Commissioners Mary Manjengwa and Tadius Muzoroza.

He also co-presided over the enquiry into High Court judge, Justice Edith’s continued absence from work.

Justice Cheda is chairperson of the Mental Health Review Tribunal whose aim was to decongest Chikurubi, Mulondolozi and other correctional and rehabilitation institutions. He sits on the disciplinary boards of Midlands State University and Gwanda State University, Mutare Campus.

Justice, Legal and parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Virginia Mabhiza will be the secretary of the Tribunal while the other members are lawyer Regai Thandiwe Hove and private prosecutor Charles Warara. The Tribunal is expected to report finish their probe within five months.