Judicial Service Commission Intervenes to Civilize Zimbabwe’s Traditional Chiefs Amid Allegations of Abuse
By Dorrothy Moyo | Harare, Zimbabwe—In a significant move to address growing concerns over misconduct by traditional leaders, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping Zimbabwe’s traditional chiefs with the skills necessary to deliver justice in a fair and respectful manner.
The initiative comes after widespread criticism of some chiefs’ behavior in customary courts, with social media awash with videos showing traditional leaders making abusive statements towards villagers and court attendants. In one viral incident from November 2024, a chief was caught berating an accused person, yelling, “Take your four glasses, you! Who do you think you are? Stupid!”
This conduct has sparked outrage among human rights activists and citizens, prompting calls for reforms in the administration of justice in customary law courts. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, JSC Secretary Walter Chikwana emphasized the importance of integrating traditional leaders into Zimbabwe’s broader justice delivery system.
A Strategic Approach to Reform
In an interview, Mr. Chikwana confirmed the JSC’s commitment to supporting traditional leaders through targeted capacity-building programs. “The Constitution clearly states that customary law courts are part of the judiciary, and they are adjudicated by chiefs,” he said. “It is our obligation as the JSC to support them, not only with resources but also with the training they need to observe the rules of natural justice.”
The JSC has engaged the Chiefs Council, led by Chief Mtshane Khumalo, to outline a roadmap for reform. This includes training chiefs on ethical conduct, judicial procedures, and respect for human rights. Mr. Chikwana underscored that traditional leaders must uphold high standards of justice as torchbearers of the judiciary at the community level.
Chiefs Council Backs Reforms
Chief Mtshane Khumalo acknowledged the need for training, stating that it has been long overdue. He revealed that the last training initiative was conducted in 2018 and welcomed the renewed collaboration with the JSC. “We have provided a list of chiefs to form sub-committees on legislative and training matters, and we are optimistic that these efforts will bring positive change,” Chief Khumalo said.
Public Concerns and New Responsibilities
The urgency of the training program is underscored by public outcry over past incidents. Stakeholders argue that empowering chiefs with proper judicial knowledge will curb instances of verbal abuse and ensure justice delivery respects human dignity. The recently enacted Marriages Act, which designates chiefs as marriage officers, has further highlighted the need for legal training.
“The role of chiefs as marriage officers introduces a legal dimension that requires a thorough understanding of the law,” added Mr. Chikwana. “This is another area where we must ensure they are well-prepared.”
A Path to Justice Reform
The JSC’s initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasizes the importance of strengthening institutions to foster social and economic progress. By equipping traditional leaders with the skills and resources necessary to dispense justice effectively, the JSC aims to build trust in customary law courts and ensure they operate in accordance with constitutional principles.
While the road to reform may be long, the JSC’s bold step is a significant milestone in modernizing the country’s justice delivery system and promoting a culture of fairness and respect in all courts, including those governed by traditional leaders.