19/05/2026
By Brighton Mandidewa
The judicial system is independent, says Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza
The newly, sworn in judge Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza yesterday denied allegations levelled against the judicial system that it is captured by the Executive.
She was speaking in an interview at the State House.
“I haven’t been a judge today, I have been a judge for almost 30 years, and this has been there, these are mere speculations
Just do your work.
“Don’t listen to what people say, as long you are happy with yourself, with your performance that is it, whatever people say ignore, they are disgruntled “she said.
She further alluded, “people go to court, they expect a judge to deal with a matter that is placed before them, each side we expect it to win, but unfortunately only one side wins.”
Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza has become the first woman to occupy highest judicial office in history breaking the glass ceiling.
She went on to say every girl child has challenges to overcome.
“The girl child has distractions, she has to start from an early age, cooking, going to the well, all the household chores and teenage pregnancies.”
“At every point in life, the girl child need direction, education, counselling, and empowerment
When she excels on education, there are challenges at the work place, sexual harassment”. She said.
Justice Paddington Shadreck Garwe has been appointed Deputy Justice.
The event also saw swearing in of Hon Tsitsi Zhou as deputy minister, lands and Rural Development, Mrs Vimbai Chikwenhere as Auditor General, Dr Rugare Abigal Kangwende as deputy chair, health service commission, Col(Rtd) Dr Lioba Tendai Gunduza, member, health service commission and lastly Mr Enerst Takafa Manyawu, member , health service commission.
Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, sitting third from left
Pictured by Ephraim Gukuta
