Mass exodus of magistrates, prosecutors in Bulawayo (27-07-07)

tors at both the high court and magistrates court between January and June 2007.

Authoritative sources revealed that staffers at the Bulawayo Magistrates and High Court are leaving at an alarming level as nearly all sworn magistrates have resigned from the bench while a number of prosecutors are also following suit.

Magistrates and prosecutors earn less than R200 (Z$3 million) per month month against over R300 (Z$5.5 million) a family of five requires a month to survive, according to estimates by the Central Statistical Office.

Patrick Chinamasa, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs could not be reached for comment as he was said to be busy preparing for the talks between Zanu PF and MDC with the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa where President Mbeki is an immediator.

But officials at the courts in Bulawayo confirmed the staff exodus. “The courts continue to be a training ground for the private law firms while some magistrates and prosecutors keep trekking to neighbouring countries.”

A source revealed that this Monday, another Magistrate, Loveness Chipateni tendered her resignation with immediate effect and has since joined a private law firm. It could not be established which private law firm she had joined.

John Masimba, the magistrate responsible for Matabeleland Province confirmed the exodus in the southern region of Zimbabwe. “Chipateni has left the service like some who have left after being tempted by incentives in the private sector.”

Last year, three senior regional Magistrates, Jennifer Chikate, Clifford Foroma and a Mrs Zvedi are reported to have landed top posts in Botswana after leaving the service in Zimbabwe- CAJ News.