Tinotenda Hove- Five new members have joined the Judicial Service Commission after taking the oath of office in Harare on Tuesday in a ceremony led by Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza.

The appointees sworn in are Dr Noah Maringe, Mr Valentine Mutatu, Mr Lison Ncube, Mr Bothwell Nyajeka and Ms Alice Chipo Nyamugama.

Speaking at the event, Chief Justice Gwaunza said the new commissioners would help strengthen the work of the JSC. “In addition to their statutory functions, the commissioners will also serve in an advisory capacity,” she said. “This is expected to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to execute its constitutional mandate.”

The JSC is responsible for appointing judges, managing judicial administration and safeguarding judicial independence in Zimbabwe.

Officials said the addition of the five commissioners comes at a time when the courts are under pressure to clear backlogs and improve public confidence in the justice system.

With the new appointments now in place, the Commission is expected to expand its advisory role while continuing with its core duties of recruitment, discipline and policy oversight within the judiciary.