Zimbabwe High Court Judge Faces Formal Investigation Over Alleged Inappropriate Messages
A High Court judge in Zimbabwe is currently undergoing a formal investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following a complaint involving alleged flirtatious WhatsApp messages exchanged with a court clerk. The complaint specifically targets Justice Pisirayi Kwenda of the Harare High Court, with the matter being reviewed by the JSC under the leadership of its chairman, Luke Malaba.
Complaint Details and Message Content
The investigation was initiated after the husband of the court clerk accessed messages on his wife's phone and forwarded screenshots of the conversation to the commission. The oversight body is now evaluating whether this exchange constitutes misconduct under the judicial code of conduct. The reported conversation began with the judge writing, "I miss you." The clerk replied, "Really?" before their discussion shifted to work schedules.
In a notable reference to an upcoming case, the judge wrote in Shona, "Ne case yembudzi iyoyi (With this goat case)," which appears to allude to a recent high-profile fraud trial involving a government goat tender. The clerk responded, "Yaa pange paipa, I hope tools down now." The judge then wrote, "..and tools in," followed by a "see no evil" monkey emoji. The clerk replied, "Kkk in where?"
Context and Judicial Response
This exchange is said to have occurred shortly after Justice Kwenda sentenced businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu on 8 December 2025 to prison terms in connection with fraud involving an US$88 million agriculture ministry goat supply contract. In his response to the JSC, legal sources indicate that Justice Kwenda has argued the messages were unlawfully obtained, focusing his defence on an alleged breach of privacy. The court clerk has reportedly informed the commission that there was no physical relationship between her and the judge.
The JSC is now tasked with determining whether the communication violated judicial ethical standards. Chief Justice Malaba is expected to make a final determination regarding any disciplinary action. JSC spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu declined to comment on the matter when contacted on 7 February 2026, while the complainant also stated he had no comment.
Historical Comparisons and Implications
This development has drawn comparisons to a 2021 judicial scandal that led to the removal of Judge Thompson Mabhikwa. In that case, a personal relationship with a court clerk escalated into controversy after private images were circulated, ultimately resulting in disciplinary proceedings and his dismissal from the bench. The current investigation highlights ongoing concerns about judicial conduct and privacy in the digital age, with potential implications for the integrity of the judiciary in Zimbabwe.
