Former High Court of Zimbabwe judge, Justice Moses Hungwe Chinhengo, passed away on Friday morning at Masvingo Provincial Hospital. He was 71 years old. His death marks the loss of a distinguished jurist whose career spanned multiple Southern African jurisdictions and left an indelible mark on the region’s legal landscape.
Justice Chinhengo’s legal journey began after obtaining his law degree, after which he joined Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Justice, serving in key roles that shaped his early professional development. Over the years, he advanced through senior legal offices before being appointed to Zimbabwe’s High Court in 1996, a position that set the stage for a career defined by dedication, integrity, and regional influence.
Beyond Zimbabwe, Justice Chinhengo held judicial positions in other Southern African countries. He served in Botswana’s judiciary, acted as a judge in Lesotho’s Court of Appeal, and in 2023, he was appointed as an acting High Court judge in Namibia. His broad experience across multiple jurisdictions reflected both his legal acumen and his commitment to upholding the rule of law beyond his home country.
One of Justice Chinhengo’s most notable recent assignments was his role in the Fishrot case in Namibia, a sprawling trial that dealt with allegations of fraud, corruption, and racketeering involving the misuse of fishing quotas by the Icelandic company Samherji. The case included claims that tens of millions of Namibian dollars in quotas intended for government objectives were illegally diverted between 2011 and 2019.
Throughout the Fishrot trial, Justice Chinhengo displayed an unwavering commitment to legal integrity. He ensured that plea-taking proceeded even amid legal representation challenges, emphasizing the constitutional right to a fair trial. He also presided over multiple challenges to his own appointment—on grounds including nationality, age, and constitutional procedure—but all were ultimately dismissed. Justice Chinhengo stepped down from the Fishrot case in July 2025, citing personal reasons, leaving behind a record of judicious and principled rulings.
Former High Court Judge Justice Moses Hungwe Chinhengo Dies at 71
Tributes to Justice Chinhengo have poured in from across the Southern African legal community. Advocate Thabani Mpofu described him as “a keen legal mind, jurist, and true gentleman” who “always tried to do the right thing.” Namibia’s Chief Justice Peter Shivute hailed him as “a distinguished jurist… whose legal career was marked by a principled commitment to justice and the rule of law.”
Colleagues remember him not only for his intellect but also for his unwavering professionalism and dedication to due process. His work, particularly in high-profile and complex corruption cases, demonstrated a rare balance of firmness and fairness, reinforcing public confidence in the judiciary.
Justice Chinhengo’s death is a loss not only to Zimbabwe but to the broader Southern African judiciary. His career reflected a commitment to legal principles, ethical practice, and the rule of law, values that continue to inspire young lawyers and judges in the region. His insistence on due process, especially in sensitive and high-stakes corruption trials, cemented his reputation as a jurist who placed justice above expediency.
Throughout his career, Justice Chinhengo championed transparency, fairness, and integrity, leaving a legacy that will endure in both legal precedent and professional example. He was known for his meticulous approach to legal reasoning, his ability to navigate complex cases with clarity, and his deep respect for constitutional principles.
Beyond his professional achievements, Justice Chinhengo was widely regarded as a gentleman of humility and discretion, who carried himself with dignity both in and out of the courtroom. His peers remember him as approachable, fair-minded, and deeply committed to mentoring younger legal professionals.
As Zimbabwe and its neighbours mourn the loss of Justice Chinhengo, there is a shared recognition that his contributions went beyond individual cases. He played a pivotal role in strengthening judicial standards across Southern Africa, ensuring that courts functioned as bastions of fairness and justice.
Justice Moses Hungwe Chinhengo leaves behind a profound legal legacy that will resonate across the region for decades to come. From his early work in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Justice to his final high-profile role in Namibia, his career reflected principled service, legal excellence, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
His passing is a solemn reminder of the critical role jurists play in upholding democracy and protecting public trust. Southern Africa has lost not just a legal expert but a symbol of integrity and judicial dedication, whose contributions will continue to shape the region’s legal landscape.
Source- ZimEye
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