Former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku has died, barely three months after leaving office. He was 70. Justice Chidyausiku succumbed to liver and kidney complications at a hospital in South Africa yesterday.

The senior judge’s brother Ambassador Boniface Chidyausiku confirmed the death, saying Justice Chidyausiku had been unwell for close to two months. “Yes, I can confirm the death of my brother,” he said.

The Herald understands that Justice Chidyausiku was airlifted to South Africa with Government assistance for further treatment on Sunday.

Justice Chidyausiku retired from the bench on March 1 this year when he attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 after serving as head of the judiciary for 16 years.

He was appointed as Zimbabwe’s Chief Justice in July 2001. Mourners are gathered at number 16855, Ranelagh Road, off Orange Grove Drive, in Highlands, Harare.