By Grace Chekai

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has today, sworn in a three-member tribunal to enquire into the Supreme Court Judge Justice, Francis Bere`s fitness to continue holding judicial office following accusations of interfering in a civil case.

The swearing in ceremony took place at State House.

The tribunal team is made up of Retired Judge Justice Simbi Mubako and two lawyers, Advocate Takawira Nzombe and Rekayi Maphosa. Judge Mubako was appointed as chair of the tribunal.

Judge Justice Bere is being accused by a lawyer, Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, for requesting him to settle a civil dispute between the Roads Agency and a company called Fremus Enterprises, which is allegedly owned by the judge`s relatives. Ndudzo said that he declined the request.

However, Judge Justice Bere is denying the allegations saying it was purely a social discussion.

The allegations against Judge Justice Bere prompted His Excellency President Mnangagwa to appoint a tribunal which he swore in to investigate Judge Bere`s suitability to hold office.

Judge Justice Bere has been suspended from all official duty pending investigations and his suspension will be lifted by the President after investigations are concluded and recommendations made by the tribunal.

This is the second time that Judge Justice Bere is facing an ethics inquiry after being cleared in January, last year over a conflict of interest complaint filed by Meikles Chairman, John Moxon.