This is the reason why Justice Bere was removed from judicial office

There has been much talk about the recent sacking of Supreme Court judge Justice Bere. Most people have been wondering the real cause of his firing. His fall from grace was allegedly due to acts of gross misconduct as a judge of the upper courts. A tribunal set up by the president recommended his removal from office which was promptly done.

He had been on suspension since March to pave way for the inquiry.President Mnangagwa set up the tribunal inquiry after a lawyer accused him of interference in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and his relatives.After receiving the report this morning from the Judicial Service Commission, President Mnangagwa did not waste time and acted on the recommendations.

In a recent statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, said the tribunal completed its investigations and recommended that Justice Bere be removed from office for acts of gross misconduct.“His Excellency the President, accordingly, acting in terms of Section 187(8) of the Constitution has removed the Honourable Judge from office with immediate effect,” said Dr Sibanda.Justice Bere allegedly telephoned the lawyer who was representing Zinara, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara against Fremus Enterprises.Justice Bere was serving on both the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court benches when he was suspended in March this year.

Most people have expressed shock at the removal from office which comes at a time when another high court judge Justice Ndewere is being probed after granting bail to controversial opposition party member Job Sikhala.