Judicial Officers to Serve Five More Years as Retirement Age Rises to 70
HARARE – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially extended the retirement age for judicial officers from 65 to 70 years through a major policy shift, following the publication of Statutory Instrument 42 of 2025, cited as Judicial Service (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (No. 3).
This policy change, effective May 1, was approved by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi under the provisions of the Judicial Service Act [Chapter 7:18].
Under the revised regulations, judicial officers appointed before the effective date may retire at 65 but have the option to continue serving until 70 with full pension entitlements. Those appointed after May 1 will be required to retire at 70.
The Paymaster is required to submit an annual retirement report to the JSC to facilitate orderly succession planning and seamless transitions.
Furthermore, the policy allows early retirement at 60 with three months’ notice.
The JSC may require retirement if a medical board finds an officer permanently unfit for duty or if they can no longer effectively perform their responsibilities.
The Herald reported that officers aged 65 may receive annual extensions, subject to the commission’s discretion, until they reach 70.
This policy is designed to retain experienced judicial officers, enhance efficiency and maintain continuity within the legal system.
