Last week, Zimbabwe's Chief Justice Anthony Gubbay resigned due to the pressure. Ministers are giving their vocal support, attacking the judges and accusing them of being allies of the white farmers, actively blocking necessary land reforms. The rule of law which is so pivotal for democracy and sustainable development in any country now has deteriorated further and appears to be very much in jeopardy in Zimbabwe. On the contrary, it is extremely disturbing to note from information received that members of the executive in Zimbabwe are heard actively expressing and encouraging such attacks. Also the British government is worried about the liberty of the Zimbabwean judiciary.
Political violence continues.
While concern is outspoken abroad, outrage is mounting in Zimbabwe. Also more profound critics are raised within Zimbabwe. There is nothing in any of the rulings by the High Court and the Supreme Court relating to land that shows that the courts are opposed to land reforms. The law lecturers said the courts had in their judgments indicated that the government must comply with its own laws in carrying out land reforms and the police must protect people against violent farm invaders. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is not impressed by the general critics and outrage against his government's onslaught on the judiciary.