Chief Justice Luke Malaba forced all judges to attend classes at a political party school. The training happens July 4 and 5 at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology run by Zanu PF. Judges must listen to spy chief Fulton Mangwanya and cabinet secretary Martin Rushwaya during these sessions. One anonymous judge said the move violates constitutional values and makes court officials feel attacked. The judge called judicial independence a cornerstone of democracy that keeps courts free from political pressure.
Letters told judges the president's office organized this training about performance evaluation systems. The unnamed judge questioned what business the government has evaluating how judges do their jobs. Training connected to political groups threatens court independence and makes people doubt fair justice. Court officials believe only nonpartisan professionals should train judges about legal matters. The Judicial Service Commission should find better alternatives that protect court integrity.
Judges also hear presentations from finance secretary George Guvamatanga about economic forecasts and development strategies. Court officials feel like targets of political propaganda and blame Malaba for attacking judicial independence. The Herbert Chitepo School principal Ishmael Mada will address the judges at this controversial training session. Mada replaced Munyaradzi Machacha who admitted the school pushes party ideology and national orientation. Judges expressed deep disappointment with their chief justice for undermining court independence during his final months.
Letters told judges the president's office organized this training about performance evaluation systems. The unnamed judge questioned what business the government has evaluating how judges do their jobs. Training connected to political groups threatens court independence and makes people doubt fair justice. Court officials believe only nonpartisan professionals should train judges about legal matters. The Judicial Service Commission should find better alternatives that protect court integrity.
Judges also hear presentations from finance secretary George Guvamatanga about economic forecasts and development strategies. Court officials feel like targets of political propaganda and blame Malaba for attacking judicial independence. The Herbert Chitepo School principal Ishmael Mada will address the judges at this controversial training session. Mada replaced Munyaradzi Machacha who admitted the school pushes party ideology and national orientation. Judges expressed deep disappointment with their chief justice for undermining court independence during his final months.
