The phrase “the Magistrates’ Court is a creature of statute”has almost become a cliché in discourse on the hierarchy and jurisdiction of courts. The same holds true for the expression “the powers of the Magistrates Court are located within the four corners of the statute creating it”. These expressions aptly capture the fact that unlike the High Court which enjoys inherent (unlimited) jurisdiction (save in instances where such jurisdiction is otherwise ousted or limited by an Act of Parliament) the powers of the Magistrate Court are only to be exercised within the parameters of the Magistrates Court Act, [Chapter 7:10](or... More
This is an appeal purportedly brought in terms of section 361 of the Mines and Minerals Act, [Chapter 21:05] ("the act") against the refusal of the 1st respondent (the Mining Commissioner) to grant the appellant a certificate of registration under an ordinary prospecting licence. More
Initially this appeal was in respect of both conviction and sentence. However at the commencement of the hearing of the appeal Mr Mafa for the appellant withdrew the appeal in respect of the sentence and thus abandoned the grounds of appeal in relation to the sentence. This appeal now solely relates to the conviction. More
ZISENGWE J. On 30 September, 2020 we delivered an ex tempore judgment whose net outcome was to the following effect; (i) to uphold the 3rd and 4th appellant’s appeal against conviction in respect of count 1 (and the concomitant setting aside of the sentence attendant thereto), (ii) to dismiss the 1st and 2nd appellants appeal against both conviction and sentence in respect of count 1, and (iii) to dismiss the appeal by all four appellants against both conviction and sentence in respect of count 2. More
As can be gleaned from the pleadings filed of record the Chieftainship dispute of the Mugabe clan in Masvingo province has been raging on for a long time since the death of the then substantive Chief Mugabe one Mude Mudavanhu in November 2009.
The 3rd respondent was appointed the Acting Chief Mugabe pending the appointment of the substantive Chief since the death of the substantive Chief Mugabe in November 2009. The 3rd respondent has been so acting until his appointment as the substantive Chief Mugabe on 23 January 2023 in terms of section 283 (1) (a) of the Constitution of... More
