International bodies condemn attacks on Zimbabwean lawyers, warn of threat to justice system
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
International legal bodies have expressed alarm over an increase in physical and verbal attacks on lawyers in Zimbabwe, stating that this trend jeopardizes the country's justice system and discourages legal professionals from handling sensitive cases. The International Bar Association and the Law Society of England and Wales issued a joint statement highlighting a recent attack on human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart as indicative of broader harassment against legal professionals. They warned that the violence and threats against Coltart, which occurred after a public hearing on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in Harare, could suppress dissent within the legal community. The organizations noted that such actions create a chilling effect, deterring lawyers and rights defenders from speaking out due to fear of retaliation. Coltart was reportedly assaulted, had his phone stolen, and received threats after attempting to document irregularities at the public hearing. The theft of his phone raised concerns about lawyer-client confidentiality, as it contained sensitive legal information. The legal bodies also connected the incident to wider concerns about judicial independence, particularly in light of proposed constitutional changes that could expand executive control over judicial appointments and weaken oversight institutions. They urged authorities to investigate the attack on Coltart and to cease all harassment and improper interference with lawyers and judges, emphasizing t
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The Concord for Young Women in Business is utilizing the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair ZITF 2026 to expand its reach and secure strategic partnerships. Exhibiting at the trade fair, the organization aims to boost its visibility and create opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and women's economic empowerment. Representative Nomsah Bathabile Mbende stated that ZITF 2026 provides access to local, regional, and international partners, serving as a platform to integrate into a broader economic network. The organization, founded to empower women entrepreneurs, offers free training in areas such as ICT and goat rearing to support sustainable livelihoods. Mbende emphasized that this exposure is crucial for advancing their mission to ensure women have access to opportunities, regardless of their background.
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Amanda Harrod, CEO of Saloncare and a South African cosmetology specialist, presented a vision for Africa's beauty industry at the recent Skin Care and Wellness Conference. Her approach emphasizes inclusivity, education, and commercially viable salon models. Harrod highlighted that a key weakness in the sector is the failure of many therapists to integrate treatment services with in-house retail, which limits revenue potential. With over 20 years of experience, Harrod has built Saloncare on principles of safety, affordability, consistent quality, and results-driven formulations. She stressed that inclusivity is integral to product development, with testing conducted across various skin types, climates, age groups, and genders to ensure real-world performance. Saloncare's bulk product range, introduced in 2019, aims to address cost pressures for high-volume salons and training institutions, supporting a model where service delivery and retail are mutually reinforcing. Harrod also underscored the importance of industry education to build trust and improve client outcomes. After rebuilding Saloncare following a partnership split, she now focuses on sustainability and relationships, noting that long-term success requires resilience, humility, and trust, with people driving growth. Saloncare plans to expand into Zimbabwe through distribution partnerships, starting with local training institutions like the Elite School of Beauty in Harare, aiming to localize supply while maintainin