The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has confirmed that Chief Justice of Zimbabwe, Justice Luke Malaba, will retire from office on May 15, 2026, with his last working day being midnight on May 14.
In a press statement, the JSC said the retirement is in line with Section 186(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which sets the retirement age for the Chief Justice at 70, unless an extension of up to five years is elected. Justice Malaba opted for the five-year extension upon reaching the age of 70 and will complete that term in May this year.
The Commission said it is organising several activities to mark the Chief Justice’s retirement, including a special court sitting and a dinner on May 14, 2026. The events will honour Justice Malaba’s more than 40 years of service to the justice system as a magistrate, judge, judge of appeal and Chief Justice.
“We will be extending invitations to colleagues and key constitutional bodies, including the Executive, Legislature and other institutions within the justice sector. We also expect the dinner to be attended by the Chief Justice’s colleagues from the region and beyond,” said the Commission.
The JSC also moved to clarify reports in some sections of the media alleging that Justice Malaba was required to go on pre-retirement leave and had refused to do so.
“This is a misrepresentation of both the law and the facts. There is no legal obligation for the Chief Justice to proceed on pre-retirement leave. The decision to take leave is discretionary and not mandatory,” said the Commission.
The Commission further dismissed claims that no preparations were being made for the transition, noting that the law clearly provides procedures to be followed upon the retirement of a Chief Justice.
“The JSC expresses its concern over statements from certain sections of the media suggesting that the Chief Justice was required to go on leave pending retirement and has ‘refused’ is a misrepresentation of both the law and the facts. “Characterising the exercise of a lawful discretion as a ‘refusal’ is therefore erroneous and creates a false impression of impropriety,” said the statement.
The JSC urged the media to ensure accurate and responsible reporting on matters relating to the Judiciary.
