Friday 8 May 2015

Law society to offer free legal aid in Gweru

 
Chief Inspector Lloyd Garikai Ndangariro is a commissioned Zimbabwe Republic Police officer. Last year he was not happy with the way police officers at CID Provincial Headquarters, Development House, arrested him and dealt with a case in which he was an accused person. Strange but true, his subordinates allegedly robbed him of thousands of dollars.

At last, the courts acquitted him.

While contemplating on his next move, Ndangariro came across a Gweru journalist who advised him to visit lawyers camped at Gweru Civic centre under the banner of the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ). Hosting an Open Day in the Midlands capital, lawyers from Danziger and Partners offered him free legal advice, and he has been smiling since then.

The arresting details, together with a Bulawayo businessman, were made to pay heavily for his arrest.

Said Ndangariro: “I am forever grateful to the free, but important legal advice I received courtesy of LAZ. If a senior police officer like me needs legal advice, how much more an ordinary citizen?”

The society was formed in 1981 to replace the previous bar association. Its membership is drawn from all registered legal practitioners residing in Zimbabwe whether in private practice, in commerce or in civil service.

According to Stan Nyamanhindi of the LSZ, last year more than a hundred ordinary citizens accessed free legal aid at the Gweru Open Day, and the society is inspired to annually continue assisting people, with the LSZ set to trek to Gweru on Saturday 9 May for this year’s edition.

LSZ vice president Charles Mashoko, a senior Gweru-based lawyer himself, in an interview, informed that more than five laws firms had heeded their mother’ organization’s call to partner in assisting residents. “It is always important to reach out to the less fortunate members of our society, who may need lawyers’ services but do not have the money needed to pay for the expert advice offered,” said Mashoko.

Apart from Danziger, Jumo Mashoko and Partners, Garikai and Partners, as well as Gundu and Dube law firm, to name a few law companies, pitched up for the Gweru Open Day last year. 

“We gladly continue with our role and responsibility of providing an even platform for the attainment of justice and the provision of legal services to all. Our vision as the Law Society of Zimbabwe is to be a vibrant, financially sound and independent Law Society committed to justice and the rule of Law...,” says the organization on its website.

With the last LSZ Open Day having taken place on 25 April at Harare Gardens, those in need of free legal advice the Midlands area can take advantage of the Gweru program. With advocates and top lawyers charging as much as $200 in consultation fees, this may be an event not to miss!

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