Luke Malaba refuses to quit working despite his time almost being up completely. The Chief Justice decided he stays put in Harare until he absolutely has to leave office. He reportedly skipped his scheduled break because walking away means his reign effectively ends immediately. He even led the recent legal year opening ceremony himself instead of letting anyone else take the spotlight.
Rumors suggested Supreme Court judge Rita Makarau stood ready to replace him for that big event. Malaba seemingly ignored that plan to keep his seat warm a little longer. He hits the mandatory age limit pretty soon and officially steps down then. Staying active prevents the transition from happening before the clock officially runs out on his extension.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa actually stretched this tenure out previously through some heated constitutional tweaks. ZANU-PF utilized parliament numbers to bump the judicial retirement age ceiling significantly. They changed the rules just as Malaba turned seventy, permitting him to stay provided he proved his health. Government officials claimed medical reports verified he possessed the physical fitness to dominate the court.
Rumors suggested Supreme Court judge Rita Makarau stood ready to replace him for that big event. Malaba seemingly ignored that plan to keep his seat warm a little longer. He hits the mandatory age limit pretty soon and officially steps down then. Staying active prevents the transition from happening before the clock officially runs out on his extension.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa actually stretched this tenure out previously through some heated constitutional tweaks. ZANU-PF utilized parliament numbers to bump the judicial retirement age ceiling significantly. They changed the rules just as Malaba turned seventy, permitting him to stay provided he proved his health. Government officials claimed medical reports verified he possessed the physical fitness to dominate the court.
