In an alarming turn of events, it appears the judiciary, compromised and steeped in partisanship, seems all too willing to advance the narrow interests of the rapidly deteriorating ZANU PF. In an ostensible bid to create a mono-party state, the justice system faces criticism from none other than the illegitimate Scarfmore, for perceived leniency towards rapists and robbers. Interestingly, his critique fails to address the judiciary’s partisan instruction to orchestrate unconstitutional political detentions, adopt a light-handed approach to corruption, and perpetuate political violence.

Peculiarly, for Scarfmore, instances of armed robbery seemingly symbolise a severely deteriorating economy. An additional reminder might be in order that over ninety percent of these robberies are perpetrated by the rank and file, impoverished and indifferent to his and his party’s illegitimacy, despite him being their supreme commander. The minor remainder is accounted for by unemployed graduates driven to crime by dire unemployment levels. This issue is brought into sharp relief by the exodus of these very graduates to neighbouring South Africa, in search of even menial employment.

Contrast this scenario to the brief period of the Government of National Unity. This was a time when the only truly accountable, innovative, and resilient opposition took the reins of the economy. In this era, the people’s welfare was prioritised, and the impoverished masses saw a reprieve from their dire circumstances. Armed robbery was virtually non-existent amongst the defence forces, and a spike in general robbery was not a pressing concern.

Fast forward to the present day Zimbabwe, a country grappling with an armed robbery rate that has more than quadrupled. The majority of these crimes are committed by the financially struggling military ranks, who have long served as a safeguard against loss of power by the failing ZANU PF. What, one wonders, could be the fate of Zimbabwe over the next five years should this illegitimate power retain control?

This country, already suffering under a host of adversities, can ill afford to see a judiciary compromised to the point of neglecting corruption cases. The people of Zimbabwe deserve justice that is free from political influence and manipulation. It is high time the corrupt individuals and parties face the consequences of their actions. Without such a change, the Zimbabwean people risk facing five more years under an unjust, one-sided rule.

One hopes that the people of Zimbabwe, and indeed the world, will wake up to the realities unfolding in this nation. It is time to reject this vicious cycle of corruption and start demanding accountability from those in power. A reformed judiciary, upholding the rule of law and prioritising the welfare of the people, is a significant step towards this goal. Only then can Zimbabwe hope to break free from the grips of economic deterioration, political violence, and corruption that currently hold it hostage.