London, Aug. 2 : Zimbabwe''s President Robert Mugabe has presented senior judges of the high court and labour court with new 32-inch plasma television sets, satellite dishes and Mercedes-Benz cars as reward for their support during the recent controversial elections.

According to The Herald newspaper, a government mouthpiece, revealed that the chief justice and judge president have received 42-inch screens.

The Telegraph said that a total of 16 new Mercedes-Benz E280 cars were also handed out, as well as generators as relief from frequent power cuts.

"Yes, the judges received Mercedes Benz E280. This was long overdue and some of the judges had never been issued with Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever since their appointment to the bench. Utility vehicles including Toyota and Isuzu trucks were also handed out," the Master of the High Court, Charles Nyatanga told the newspaper.

The Herald said the gifts were intended "to improve their conditions of service".

Patronage is a major part of how Mugabe''s regime secures loyalty, and many judges have been given farms seized from their white owners since the land grab began in 2000.

The newspaper stressed that the official generosity came courtesy of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. (ANI)