David Maraga mourns Zimbabwean judge Moses Chinhengo
By Ascah Mwango, September 19, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga has mourned the death of Zimbabwean judge Moses Hungwe Chinhengo, describing him as one of Africa’s most respected jurists.
In a statement shared on his X account on Friday, September 19, 2025, Maraga said that his passing was a huge loss not only to Zimbabwe but to the African continent at large. He described Chinhengo as a committed and passionate jurist whose career was defined by excellence, integrity, and dedication to justice.
According to Maraga, Chinhengo stood out as an intellectual leader who left a lasting impression on the legal fraternity. His professionalism, impeccable work ethic, and remarkable contributions to the judiciary made him a role model for many within and beyond Zimbabwe.
Maraga further emphasised that Chinhengo’s legacy would be remembered for the values he upheld throughout his career, including fairness, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He added that Africa had lost a trailblazer who inspired generations of lawyers and judges through his distinguished service.
“It is with profound sorrow and sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Justice Moses Chinhengo. In Justice Chinhengo’s death, Africa has lost a committed and passionate jurist, judge, and intellectual who demonstrated professional excellence, intellectual leadership, and an impeccable work ethic of outstanding integrity,” Maraga stated.
He noted that Justice Chinhengo’s career was trailblazing and extended across several African countries.
“Up to the time of his death, he served as a Judge of the High Court of Namibia. Before this, Justice Chinhengo served as Judge of the High Court of Zimbabwe, Judge of the High Court of Botswana, Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia, and an Acting Judge of the Court of Appeal of Lesotho. Justice Chinhengo also taught law at the University of Zimbabwe,” Maraga added.
Maraga said Chinhengo’s leadership will continue to inspire generations of jurists across the continent. “I join judicial leaders in the region and the entire African fraternity of the Judiciary, academia, and jurists in mourning the loss of Moses Chinhengo. May his work and leadership continue to inspire future generations of jurists, judges, and leaders. My heartfelt condolences to members of his family and entire continental legacy fraternity,” he stated.
Chinhengo’s legacy
At the time of his passing, Justice Chinhengo was the Chairperson of the Board of the African Judges and Jurists Forum, a continental body that brings together senior jurists and academics to strengthen judicial independence and legal cooperation across Africa.
Justice Moses Hungwe Chinhengo was born on October 29, 1955, in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. He studied law at the University of Zimbabwe, where he earned his LL.B. degree.
At independence in 1980, he joined the Ministry of Justice as an undersecretary before later serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He went on to head the Department of Parliamentary Affairs and worked as chief legal officer in the Ministry of Justice.
He was appointed to the bench in Zimbabwe in 1996 and resigned in 2004 after raising concerns over judicial independence.
His reputation for fairness and integrity later saw him serve as a judge in Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho. Alongside his judicial work, he taught law at the University of Zimbabwe and published widely on constitutionalism and governance.