ZIMBABWE’S JUDICIARY IS COLLAPSING UNDER ZANU PF CONTROL

Zimbabwe has seen its once-respected judiciary fall apart in recent years. This collapse has raised many concerns as the judiciary now faces allegations of being controlled by the ruling party, ZANU PF. The judiciary is supposed to be independent, but now many people believe it is being manipulated. This collapse has serious consequences for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.

When President Robert Mugabe led ZANU PF, many accused the party of using various tricks to control the judiciary. One of the most common complaints is that judges loyal to ZANU PF were appointed. These judges often ruled in favor of the party, even when the decisions were unfair. This practice has weakened the trust people once had in the courts, as many now see the system as biased and unfair.

There have also been reports of ZANU PF manipulating the legal process itself. In many cases, those who oppose the ruling party or speak out against it face court cases that move very quickly. The court gives verdicts that seem rushed and unjust. This tactic has created fear among those who might challenge the ruling party, silencing them and making the judiciary unable to act as a true check on the government’s power.

Another big issue is the control that the executive branch of the government, led by the president, has over the judiciary. In recent years, there have been many reports of interference in the appointment, promotion, and even firing of judges. This means that judges are often scared to make decisions that go against the ruling party. For the judiciary to work well, it needs to be free from this kind of political influence. But in Zimbabwe, this principle is being ignored.

The collapse of the judiciary in Zimbabwe has caused many problems. One of the most serious is that citizens no longer feel like their rights are protected. When the courts are biased, human rights abuses go unpunished, creating a system where those in power can break the law without any fear of consequences. This environment of impunity makes it difficult for ordinary people to feel safe, as the powerful can act without worrying about facing justice.

This situation has also led to a loss of trust in the entire legal system. When people do not believe they will get fair treatment in court, they stop having faith in the rule of law. This loss of trust has serious consequences for society as a whole. When the justice system fails, the stability of the country is at risk. People start to lose faith in their institutions, and the country can become more divided and unstable.

To fix these problems, the Zimbabwean government must take immediate action. It needs to make sure that judges are appointed based on merit, not political loyalty. The process of appointing judges must be open and transparent, free from any kind of political interference. This will help restore the integrity of the judiciary and ensure that justice is fair for everyone, not just those in power.

The international community also has a role to play in helping Zimbabwe fix its broken judiciary. Diplomatic pressure can help encourage the government to make the necessary changes. Targeted sanctions against those responsible for manipulating the judiciary can also be useful. Finally, international organizations can help Zimbabwe strengthen its judiciary by providing training and resources that will help make the legal system more independent and accountable.

The collapse of Zimbabwe’s judiciary is a serious threat to the country’s democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It is important that action is taken quickly to restore the independence and fairness of the legal system. Only when the judiciary is free and impartial can Zimbabwe begin to rebuild trust in its institutions and create a just society for all its citizens. The future of the country depends on restoring this key part of its democracy.