HARARE - Two Harare-based lawyers have developed a gigantic piece of art meant to symbolise the principles of justice.The artwork, which has been erected at the entrance of the High Court building in Harare is to serve as a reminder of the lack of justice in the country, say its creatorsDavid Ngwerume and Edwin Hamunakwadi.
The lawyers carved the five-metre piece at their Water Falls based Sui Generis Art Centre. We are going through a politically decisive period in this country. That on its own has given stability to the legal field, because we went through a tough period politically and economically over the past years to such an extent that even judges could be bribed, said Hamunakwadi.
We want this principles of justice sculpture to serve as a reminder that we are all equal before the law. We want it to be the clarion call to all judiciary workers. It must serve as the scales of justice. It is saying: Lets have justice; lets have equality and a paradigm shift in the manner in which justice is delivered in the country. In short we are saying: Lets have a fresh start.
The Principles of Justice, which is made from springstone, has been installed at the front entrance of the High Court along Samora Machel, in a strategic position directly opposite the entrance to the seat of power at the Munhumutapa government offices.
It serves as a reminder for the need for justice in this country to the President, Prime Minister and all the ministers, because no-one at Munhumutapa can fail to see it, said a Harare lawyer at the High Court on Monday.
The artwork will be unveiled at the official opening of the 2010 legal year. Judge President Rita Makarau is expected to lead the proceedings. The piece wages a war to effect social change and agitates for tranquillity. Our wish is simply the exercise of justice, said Hamunakwadi.
The countrys judiciary system has been blighted by reports of injustice blamed on political interference. Zanu (PF) and the MDC are currently locked in political negotiations aimed, among things, to restructure the manner in which the judiciary system operates. The MDC accuses Zanu of using the judiciary system to prosecute its members. Among some of the issues that it wants addressed is the appointment of the attorney-general, whom the MDC accuses of using his position to politically attack MDC members.
Last year, a number of MDC legislators were charged with various crimes, while the partys treasurer-general, Roy Bennett, is on trial facing charges of treason.
Post published in: News