CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DR E.D. MNANGAGWA FOLLOWING THE PASSING ON OF JUSTICE FELICIA CHATUKUTA

I learnt with profound sadness of the passing on of Supreme Court Judge, Justice Felicia Chatukuta, a distinguished daughter of the nation and stalwart of the Zimbabwean judiciary. Justice Chatukuta died on the 22nd of November 2025 due to cardiac arrest. She was 63

Justice Chatukuta, whose career in the legal fraternity spanned four decades, exemplified an unquestionable dedication to upholding the rule of law. Her unwavering commitment to the justice delivery system has left an indelible mark on our great nation.

From her early days as a young legal practitioner soon after earning her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Zimbabwe in 1985, Justice Chatukuta demonstrated her dedication to the learned profession through working as a Public Prosecutor and later as a part-time lecturer at her alma mater, the University of Zimbabwe. She also served as a director at the Legal Aid Directorate and continued on the legal path with dedication, honesty and commitment. These qualities saw her being elevated to the bench on the 29th of August 2005, when she was appointed a judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe.

Justice Chatukuta served as a High Court judge for 16 years, distinguishing herself through hard work and utmost integrity until her elevation to the Supreme Court bench on the 3″d of June

2021. The appointment was in recognition of her high professional and ethical standards of conduct, legal expertise and invaluable contribution to the justice delivery system in Zimbabwe.
2022. 
      Despite the lofty appointments, Justice Chatukuta served with humility and a demonstrated thoroughness in the execution of her duties, traits that are worth emulating not only by those serving in the legal fraternity, but by all Zimbabweans. Her passing on is a significant loss to the Zimbabwean judiciary and her legacy will serve as an inspiration for future generations.
2023. 
      In recognition of her significant contribution to the Nation, I have directed that she be accorded a State Assisted funeral. May I, on behalf of the ruling Party ZANU (PF), the Government of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed on my own behalf, express my deepest condolences to the Chatukuta family over this painful loss. May the family take comfort in the knowledge that the entire nation of Zimbabwe joins them in mourning the late Justice Chatukuta.
2024. 
      May her dear soul rest in eternal peace.

E.D Mnangagwa
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe