JUSTICE IN ZIMBABWE 125 ____________________________________________________________________ was later changed to organising an illegal gathering. He was released on bail the next day. The Trust maintains that it is a Christian humanitarian institution that believes in nonviolence and does not sponsor or encourage violent or illegal activities. CONCLUSION This survey of some of the significant developments that have affected the legal system of Zimbabwe shows a system that is in deep distress. A strong professional system that protected rights of all and upheld the rule of law has been transformed into a system designed to advance the political goals of the ruling elite. The professionalism and independence of all the branches of the legal system has been severely compromised. To repair the substantial damage that has been done, the legal system must be rebuilt on the firm foundation of the rule of law. The police must once again become an apolitical, non-partisan law enforcement agency. Political interference in the courts must cease and the independence of the judiciary should be restored.