15 Aug 2017

Chief Justice Maruping Dibotelo has praised outgoing Gaborone High Court Judge, Justice Singh Walia, saying he served as a judge of the High Court with distinction for more than 15 years.

Speaking at his farewell ceremony at Masa hotel in Gaborone last Friday, Justice Dibotelo said Justice Walia retired as the most senior judge after him at the end of June 2017.

He noted that his career with the judiciary started in April 2001 when he was appointed acting judge of the High Court,  and that he once again appointed as acting judge from August 2002 and appointed a substantive judge in January 2003.

Justice Dibotelo said because of Justice Walia’s ability he was on several occasions appointed to assist at the Court of Appeal, and that he embraced the system and principles of the Judicial Case

Management (JCM) and ensured that his court ran efficiently.

Justice Dibotelo said Justice Walia had a good work ethic, and displayed a keen sense of discipline and adherence to the adage that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

“He took to the Case Review Management System (CRMS) and JCM with devotion and passion, and has consistently completed his cases and delivered judgements within the set frames we have set ourselves. You have left us an indelible imprint in the rules of our courts during the period you were chairman of rules of committee,”  he said.

He also said Justice Walia’s career had shown a consistent dedication to the Administration of Justice, and that his judgements had helped to mould and shape the past and future of the country, adding that the judiciary was grateful to have had Justice Walia on its bench.

Justice Dibotelo said Justice Walia was consistent in delivering judgements of high a standard, adding that he was determined to drive the objectives and vision of the judiciary. He also said he had a keen passion for everything that defines the judiciary.

“As your supervisor I have observed nothing but the drive and dedication you commit to all your tasks, and I have had pleasure in seeing how you embraced all efforts we have put in place to drive the judiciary forward and bring justice to our people,” said Juctice Dibotelo.Ends