President Mnangagwa Appoints Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe’s New Chief Justice
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Elizabeth Gwaunza as Zimbabwe’s new Chief Justice.
Her elevation to the top judicial post makes her the first woman in the country’s history to lead the judiciary.
Justice Gwaunza takes over from Luke Malaba, who is retiring after serving at the helm of the judiciary since March 2017.
The announcement was made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya in a statement released on Wednesday.
Also Read: Chief Justice Luke Malaba finally steps down
Gwaunza Elevated After Years as Deputy Chief Justice
Rushwaya said the appointment was made in terms of Section 180(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“His Excellency, the President, has, in terms of section 180 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, appointed Honourable Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe with effect from 15 May 2026,” reads part of the statement.
He noted that Justice Gwaunza was qualified for the position owing to her extensive judicial experience and service as Deputy Chief Justice since March 29, 2018.
Before her latest appointment, Gwaunza had been one of the country’s most senior judicial officers and played a key role in the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court benches.
“Honourable Mrs Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza is qualified for appointment, having served as the Deputy Chief Justice since 29 March 2018 and possessing extensive judicial experience,” reads the statement.
Justice Garwe Named Deputy Chief Justice
The Presidency also announced the appointment of Paddington Garwe as the new Deputy Chief Justice, effective from 15 May 2026.
Justice Garwe has been serving as a judge of the Constitutional Court since May 20, 2021.
Rushwaya said his appointment was based on his judicial experience and qualifications for the senior role.
Judiciary Enters New Era
The appointments signal a new chapter for Zimbabwe’s judiciary following Malaba’s retirement after nearly a decade as Chief Justice.
Malaba presided over several high-profile constitutional and electoral cases during his tenure and remained one of the country’s most influential judicial figures.
Justice Gwaunza now becomes one of the few women in Zimbabwe’s history to lead the judiciary at the highest level.
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