JSC to train traditional leaders on ethical standards

The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has been ordered to train traditional leaders on ethical and legal standards, just over a month after Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) lodged a complaint and demanded action against a chief’s allegedly disrespectful conduct. According to New Zimbabwe, Chief Nyamaropa was recorded passing offensive and disparaging comments about an attendant at one of his traditional court sessions last year. The ZLHR filed a complaint through its lawyer Obey Shava. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 legal year, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said the training would improve traditional leaders’ conduct as those seeking justice at traditional courts should always be treated with respect. ‘The idea is to empower chiefs with the necessary skills for hearing and determining disputes at their courts. Litigants seeking justice from customary law courts deserve to be treated with dignity. They must never be insulted by the presiding persons,’ said Malaba.