The Judicial Service Commission says suspected thieves broke into Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku’s offices at Mashonganyika Building last night and got away with his desktop computer and television set, among other valuables.
Judicial Service Commission secretary, Justice Rita Makarau, told a press briefing that the burglary in the highly secured building was discovered Monday morning.
Makarau said police are investigating how the suspected robbers managed to sneak into the building and get away with the Chief Justice’s property.
Chidyausiku is still to comment on the burglary. Makarau said this was the first known such break in into the judges’ chamber. She, however, said this would not affect court matters pending before the chief justice.
Chidyausiku is chairman of the Judicial Services Commission.
In another matter, Air Zimbabwe’s acting board chairman, Eric Harid told parliament’s transport portfolio committee Monday that the national airline requires a $368 million capital injection for it to function effectively.
Harrid said the airline, saddled with a $300 million debt, requires the money to replace an aging fleet, and pay debts of critical organizations such as the International Air Transport Association.
Harrid said seven of the airline’s 10 aircraft were grounded and the fleet was too old and expensive to maintain.
Acting CEO Edmunda Makona said fuel was the biggest cost driver in their operations, adding modernizing the fleet should be prioritized as it would drastically cut down operating costs.
The senior managers said the airline’s biggest advantage was its safety record, noting that they are putting in place measures to pay off debtors so that they can resume flying to destinations like London where threats to seize planes over outstanding debts loom.
Currently Air Zimbabwe flies to domestic destinations like Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Kariba. The national carrier also flies to Johannesburg.
Air Zimbabwe, which made a 44.7 million loss last year, last realized a profit in 2003.