Zim-born judge sworn in amid unease

Zimbabwean-born judge Rita Makarau was yesterday sworn in as an acting judge of the Supreme Court by Chief Justice Peter Shivute.

This follows concerns about her qualifications after the justice ministry initially announced her appointment.

In a statement on the criticism, the ministry said Makarau was still fit to serve as a member of the judiciary.

"Judge Makarau brings a wealth of legal experience to the position, having worked both as a prosecutor and a legal practitioner. She has extensive experience spanning 22 years and appointments as a judge, the judge president of the High Court of Zimbabwe and a judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe."

Concerns about Makarau's place in the Namibian Supreme Court apparently stemmed from media reports in which Namibia's former chief electoral officer Gerhard Tötemeyer and other political analysts questioned her ties to the Mugabe regime.

She was seen as an ally of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, according to a 2017 report by the Reuters news agency.

‘Principled’

Local lawyer Norman Tjombe, however, sang Makarau's praises and described her as "principled".

Shivute said the addition of Makarau to the bench contributes to the courts' goal of having more women's voices in the Supreme Court, with the aim of ensuring that the judiciary reflects the diversity of the country.

"Our past experience has proven that the service of legal officers from our neighbouring countries and other countries has improved our jurisprudence and the work of our courts.

“I have no doubt that Judge Makarau's service on our bench will be any different," Shivute said.

Zimbabwe's ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura, also attended the swearing-in event, and shared sentiments similar to Shivute's.

"I'm sure the purpose [of the ministry] is clear - to bring diverse minds, who are experts, together to see and analyse issues," she said.