Retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba called for governance that serves all citizens and praised inter-branch cooperation as he delivered the vote of thanks at his retirement ceremony.

Speaking at a special sitting of the Constitutional Court, Malaba said the rule of law requires leaders to govern properly and create conditions for others to thrive.

Malaba said he leaves a vision of a Zimbabwe that all citizens can be proud to belong to, built on revolution, reform and adding value to people’s lives. He said he was proud to have lived and worked in government until his retirement

“Let us have a vision of a Zimbabwe where we can all be proud to belong. The vision of a revolution, the vision of reform, the vision of adding value to the lives of the people,” Malaba said.

He noted there is no rulebook defining what a Chief Justice should do, saying it falls to the person in office to create and innovate. Malaba said creation is only possible when those in power allow it and respect the judiciary’s role.

“There are no rules, there is no definition of what a Chief Justice should do. It is that person who is in an office of a Chief Justice who must create,” he said.

Malaba credited the executive and legislative arms for allowing the judiciary to operate independently. He said the progress was not his achievement alone but the result of many in government.

“The three arms of government have worked marvelously allowing the judiciary to pursue independently what is best for the country. It is a journey by many people in government,” he said.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – A tragic incident in Bulawayo has highlighted critical public health concerns, with a resident succumbing to acute gastro-enteritis, commonly known as stomach flu. The death is reportedly linked to the consumption of contaminated borehole water in Pumula South, following disruptions to the municipal reticulated water supply.

The unfortunate fatality was documented in the latest health surveillance report issued by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC). Investigations detailed in the report indicate that the deceased did not seek timely medical intervention, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration that ultimately proved fatal. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the patient died from hypovolemic shock, a direct consequence of acute gastro-enteritis.

Further compounding the household’s distress, another individual within the same residence subsequently fell ill. Fortunately, this person recovered after receiving treatment at Mpilo Central Hospital, underscoring the severity of the water contamination.

Laboratory tests conducted on water samples from the affected borehole in Pumula South revealed significant contamination, specifically identifying the presence of non-faecal coliforms. This finding points to a serious breach in water safety standards, posing a substantial risk to public health.

Council health officials noted challenges in their investigation, as family members reportedly declined stool sampling and contact tracing efforts. This non-cooperation can impede comprehensive epidemiological assessments and the implementation of effective public health interventions.

The broader context of Bulawayo’s water infrastructure raises further alarms. Recent council water quality checks indicated that a staggering 62% of water points tested across the city failed one or more safety criteria, including instances of faecal contamination. This widespread issue has impacted numerous public facilities, including schools and clinics, in areas such as Nkulumane, Emganwini, and Luveve.

Adding to the crisis, the council’s most recent environmental health report also brought attention to persistent sewer overflows in Emganwini and numerous complaints regarding foul-smelling water in various residential zones. The report explicitly warned that the city’s aging sewer systems and the increasing pressure on existing water networks are significantly elevating public health risks.

In March alone, Bulawayo recorded 247 cases of diarrhea, with one fatality, as detailed in the report. Residents in the western suburbs, particularly affected by the worsening water situation, voiced their concerns, stating that they often have no alternative but to rely on potentially unsafe borehole water sources.

In response to these alarming developments, council health officials have issued an urgent advisory. Residents are strongly urged to boil or disinfect any water obtained from unverified sources. Furthermore, they emphasize the critical importance of seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration to prevent further tragic outcomes.

Harare, Zimbabwe – His Excellency, the President, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, has officially appointed Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the new Chief Justice of Zimbabwe, effective May 15.

This pivotal appointment underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening the country’s legal framework and ensuring continuity in judicial leadership.

The announcement was made by Dr. Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, who confirmed that the appointment was executed in strict adherence to Section 180 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. This constitutional provision empowers the President to make such crucial judicial designations, reflecting the robust legal processes governing the nation.

Justice Gwaunza brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to her new role. She has served with exemplary dedication as the Deputy Chief Justice since March 29, 2018, a tenure marked by profound legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice. Her extensive background in the judiciary positions her as a highly capable leader to steer the country’s highest court.

Further reinforcing the judiciary’s leadership, Dr. Rushwaya also announced the appointment of Justice Paddington Garwe as the new Deputy Chief Justice. Justice Garwe has been a respected figure on the Constitutional Court bench since May 20, 2021, where he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of constitutional law and its application. His elevation to Deputy Chief Justice is a testament to his legal acumen and contributions to the country’s jurisprudence.

These appointments are anticipated to further enhance the efficiency and integrity of Zimbabwe’s judicial system, ensuring that justice continues to be administered fairly and effectively for all citizens. The new leadership is expected to uphold the principles of the rule of law and contribute to the ongoing national development agenda.