Retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba Receives Farming Equipment from President Mnangagwa

Harare - President Emmerson Mnangagwa has presented farming equipment to recently retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba, describing the gesture as recognition of the former judiciary head’s long service and contribution to Zimbabwe’s legal system.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, June 6, President Mnangagwa said he had welcomed Malaba to State House, where he handed over an agricultural mechanisation package to support his transition into retirement.

The package comprises a tractor, a Nissan UD truck, a boom sprayer and a planter.

“It was my pleasure to welcome the recently retired Chief Justice, Luke Malaba, to State House today,” President Mnangagwa said.

The President said the equipment was being provided in recognition of Malaba’s decades of service in the judiciary and his leadership of the country's courts.

He praised the former Chief Justice for his outstanding service spanning decades, unwavering commitment and exemplary legal leadership within the Zimbabwean judiciary.

President Mnangagwa also encouraged Malaba to venture into agriculture following his retirement, saying productive use of land remained important for national development.

“As he retires from the judiciary, I encourage him to leverage his vast expertise in the agricultural sector. Our land is a vital asset and productivity must persist at all levels,” he said.

Malaba retired last month, May, after serving as in the judiciary for decades.

Before his appointment to the top judicial post, he held several senior positions within the judiciary, including that of Deputy Chief Justice.

His tenure was marked by a number of significant constitutional, electoral and governance-related rulings that attracted both praise and criticism.

In 2021, Malaba became the subject of national debate after a constitutional amendment was used to extend the retirement age of judges, a move that allowed him to remain in office beyond the previously stipulated retirement threshold.

The matter was challenged in the courts and generated widespread discussion among legal practitioners, constitutional experts and civil society organisations over judicial independence and constitutional interpretation.

He also presided over several politically sensitive cases, drawing criticism from opposition parties and human rights groups who questioned the judiciary’s independence.

The judiciary consistently maintained that its decisions were based solely on the law and evidence presented before the courts.

Despite the controversies that accompanied some of his rulings, the Government has repeatedly commended Malaba’s leadership and contribution to the justice system.

President Mnangagwa thanked the former Chief Justice for his service and wished him success in his post-retirement agricultural activities.