Harare – Zimbabwe lawyers are to take to the streets on Thursday to demonstrate for an independent judiciary after reports that judges are to receive lectures from a ZANU PF affiliated Herbert Chitepo school of ideology.
The notice titled ‘Lawyers’ March’ was posted by Advocate Thabani Mpofu on his X platform.
The march will be held at Harare High court on Thursday at 12:45 hours.
Lawyers were advised to come wearing their gowns and jabots.
”Let justice not only be done, but be seen to be done,” the notice read.
Earlier, Mpofu told his X followers that imposing partisan ideology to the bench would undermine the rule of law.
”As legal professionals, we must uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure its independence. Any attempt to impose partisan ideology on judges through training programs conducted by the Herbert Chitepo School of ideology would undermine the rule of law and erode public trust. I mean not even Chitepo himself would abase himself to the point of receiving training from this school named after him,” Mpofu said on X.
”We stand in defense of judicial independence, honoring the legacy of those who fought for justice and fairness. In Chitepo’s name; let’s collectively rage against this unnecessary attack on judicial independence.”
The Herbert Chitepo school of ideology which is run by ZANU PF party was introduced a few years ago and many government departments officials and those from local authorities have received training on patriotism.
In the past years, lawyers have held demonstrations in Zimbabwe against the arrest of legal practitioners for representing clients that are deemed enemies of the state.