HARARE – Zimbabwe has appointed its first female Prosecutor-General. Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, a former High Court Judge and the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Justice Matanda-Moyo assumes this critical role with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision marking a significant milestone for gender representation within the country’s legal system.
Justice Matanda-Moyo boasts an impressive legal career. Her journey includes serving as a magistrate, State Advisor in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and State Counsel (Criminal Division) within the Attorney-General’s office.
She ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming Director of the Civil Division and Director of Public Prosecution.
Her judicial experience extends to roles as Judge of the Labour Court (2009) and Judge of the High Court (2013).
Notably, she chaired the Land Acquisition Task Force and represented Zimbabwe in international human rights cases.
Immediate Effect:
Justice Matanda-Moyo steps into her new position with immediate effect.
She succeeds Mr. Kumbirai Hodzi, who resigned due to health reasons last year. During the interim period, Mr. Nelson Mutsonziwa acted as Prosecutor-General.
Historical Context
The title of Prosecutor-General was first separated from that of the Attorney-General in 2013.
Ambassador Johannes Tomana held this position initially.
Subsequent appointments included Advocate Ray Goba (2017), Mr. Hodzi, and now Justice Matanda-Moyo.
Promoting Gender Equality:
Justice Matanda-Moyo’s appointment aligns with the Second Republic’s commitment to empowering deserving women in key government roles.
Mrs. Virginia Mabiza’s recent appointment as Attorney General further underscores this commitment.
