(Last Updated on January 11, 2016 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – Judges of the High Court and the specialised courts will today march in a procession in Harare in a new ceremony to mark the opening of the 2016 legal year.
This year will witness a change in tradition as the procession will include judges from other courts, apart from those from the Supreme and High Courts.
Judicial Service Commission secretary Justice Rita Makarau said in an interview that this legal year’s opening ceremony will start by a procession of judges of the High Court, Labour Court and Administrative Court and all members of the legal fraternity from the High Court Building to the Supreme Court along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare.
“This year, judges of the High Court, Labour Court, Administrative Court and lawyers will form a procession from the High Court building to the Supreme Court at Mashonganyika Building before entering the Supreme Court,” she said.
“They will all be in their robes and the Chief Magistrate Mr Mishrod Guvamombe will also lead a contingent of regional magistrates who will also be part of the procession.
“All lawyers will be part of the procession, including representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, National Prosecuting Authority and legal officers from other Government departments.”
Justice Makarau said all was now in place for the grand occasion.
Chief Justice Chidyausiku will preside over the proceedings in Harare, while Judge President George Chiweshe will be in charge of the Bulawayo proceedings.
JSC officials carried out rehearsals on Thursday and Friday last week to ensure there would be no hiccups on the official opening.
A big tent was erected outside Mashonganyika Building to accommodate the guests.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services band will lead the procession while providing music.
Chief Justice Chidyausiku is expected to review the 2015 legal year and set the tone for the year.