Legacy and Inspiration
Chris has legally represented the State on various fronts - locally, regionally, and internationally - in courts of law and tribunals. Since 2008, he has defended Zimbabwe's land reform program after the country was sued by former land occupiers at the SADC Tribunal in Namibia. He regularly appears in all of the country's superior courts, including the High Court, Supreme Court, and Constitutional Court.
Internationally, Chris has also defended the State’s interests at the International Court of Arbitration on Investment Disputes, and he represented Zimbabwe at the FATF International Cooperation Review Group in Paris, France, from 2013 to 2019.
Currently, Chris is serving as the President of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of Southern Africa, a coalition of 17 member countries, for a two-year term starting from November 2023 until December 2025.
Advocate Mutangadura’s journey from Gokwe to global stages reflects resilience, intellectual rigor, and unwavering service. Cheziya Gokwe High School celebrates him as a beacon of inspiration, proving that roots in humble beginnings can yield extraordinary impact. His story continues to motivate current students to aspire beyond boundaries and contribute meaningfully to society.
Cheziya Gokwe High School proudly honors Advocate Chris Mutangadura, SC—a legal luminary, global advocate for justice, and exemplary alumnus
Advocate Chris Mutangadura, State Counsel (SC)
Chris Mutangadura, State Counsel (SC), is a distinguished legal practitioner and proud alumnus of Cheziya Gokwe High School, whose journey from the heart of Gokwe to international legal prominence embodies excellence and dedication. Born in Kwekwe and raised in Gokwe under Chief Njelele, Chris’s early academic brilliance earned him the prestigious Advanced Level Scholarship from Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in 2000, making him the sole recipient in Midlands Province. A scholar of remarkable caliber, Chris graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Honors Degree (LLB) and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Zimbabwe. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in South Africa, further cementing his expertise in legal scholarship.
Leadership and Early Contributions
During his university years, Chris demonstrated exceptional leadership as Chairman of the Students Representative Assembly (SRA), overseeing elected representatives from all faculties. His vision and advocacy led to his election as President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Unions (ZICOSU). Recognized for his commitment to youth empowerment, he was appointed by the President of Zimbabwe as Deputy Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Youth Council Board under the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act.
Distinguished Legal Career
Chris’s professional trajectory is marked by groundbreaking roles in public service. Joining the Attorney General’s Office, he rose to Director of Economic Crimes and International Cooperation, later spearheading the Asset Forfeiture Unit at the National Prosecuting Authority. His expertise in combating financial crimes positioned him as a trusted authority, leading to international secondments.
Global Impact and Recognition
In 2010, Chris represented the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) as a Legal Expert during Kenya’s peer review. His acumen earned him appointments by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as a Technical Expert Reviewer for Benin (2011–2012) and the Russian Federation (2016–2017). Trained by global institutions such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), UNODC, IMF, and World Bank, he is a renowned authority on anti-corruption, asset recovery, and counter-terrorism financing.
Current Leadership Roles
Today, Chris continues to shape legal frameworks as Chairman of the Legal Committee for Zimbabwe’s National Taskforce on Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also chairs the State Advocates Bar Council, appointed by the Prosecutor General of Zimbabwe to uphold professional standards among state advocates.