The SADC Lawyers Association (SADCLA) has condemned the murder of Mozambican lawyer Elvino Bernardo António Dias in the early hours of Saturday.
Dias, who represented opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane and provided legal services to the PODEMOS political party, was killed alongside Paulo Guambe, a representative of PODEMOS. A woman in the same car was injured.
It is alleged that the attackers fired about 25 bullets at the victims, indicating a clear intent to kill, according to SADCLA. Said SADCLA:
<blockquote>
Killing a lawyer is tantamount to killing the democracy and rule of law. As the legal profession we cannot allow this to happen; lawyers must be free to continue to defend, with all professionalism, human rights and rule of law.
SADCLA strongly condemns this macabre act. SADCLA urges the competent authorities of the Republic of Mozambique to investigate with due speed and professionalism this callous and meticulously prepared crime.
SADCLA hopes that the moral and material perpetrators of this crime will be exemplarily punished and that crimes of this nature do not occur again in our region…
Assuming, from the circumstances in which the murder took place, that it may have resulted from political differences, SADCLA cannot accept that extrajudicial killing is the right solution.
Therefore, together with the Mozambican Bar Association, SADCLA will do everything in its power and leave no stone unturned to fight for justice to be done.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A top lawyer in Mozambique, Elvino Bernardo António Dias, was shot and killed along with another person. The attackers fired 25 bullets at them. The SADC Lawyers Association (SADCLA) condemned the murder, saying killing a lawyer is like killing democracy. They want the authorities to investigate and punish those responsible. SADCLA and the Mozambican Bar Association will fight for justice. It is believed the murder may be due to political differences. The lawyers want to make sure something like this does not happen again and that justice is served.

Top Mozambican Lawyer Dies In Hail Of Bullets

The SADC Lawyers Association (SADC-LA) has condemned the brutal assault of Zimbabwe lawyer Kudzai Kadzere by police officers on Saturday, 14 January.
Kadzere was assaulted by the police in Harare while attending to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) organising secretary Amos Chibaya and some 24 party activists who had earlier been arrested for holding an unsanctioned meeting in Budiriro.
In a statement signed by SADC-LA CEO Stanley Nyamanhindi, the lawyers urged the Zimbabwean government to ensure that the rights of citizens are upheld at all times. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
1. SADC-LA deeply regrets and strongly condemns the attack on lawyer Mr Kudzai Kadzere in Harare, Zimbabwe by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on the 14th of January 2023.
2. On the said date, Mr Kadzere was representing his clients who are members of a political party in Zimbabwe and he was acting within the scope of his mandate as a licenced legal practitioner of the courts of Zimbabwe. The right to legal representation is guaranteed in the constitution of Zimbabwe.
3. The perpetration of violence by police on an unarmed civilian acting in a professional capacity to uphold the constitutional rights of other citizens presents the highest level of disregard for the rule of law.
4. SADC-LA implores the Government of Zimbabwe and the responsible Ministers to swiftly ensure the protection of lawyers and other key stakeholders such as journalists in the discharge of their mandate. Further, to hold to account those responsible for the unsanctioned violation of Mr Kadzere and his clients’ constitutionally enshrined rights.
5. The acute escalation of violence in a period shortly preceding a crucial election for Zimbabwe warrants deep concern. SADC-LA calls on SADC and the AU to provide swift and adequate support to the Government of Zimbabwe, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a neutral environment for the enforcement and enjoyment of all human rights.
6. This is in accordance with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers as well as Zimbabwe’s own constitution.
</blockquote>

Lawyer Latest News

Latest Jobs