Ivan Zhakata in BEITBRIDGE
GOVERNMENT has brought legal aid services closer to disadvantaged communities following the commissioning of the Legal Aid Directorate district offices in Beitbridge.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Advocate Norbert Mazungunye said the establishment of the offices was part of Government’s efforts to strengthen institutions under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), running from 2026 to 2030.
He said the new offices will enable legal aid officers to operate from Beitbridge making it easier for disadvantaged residents to access legal assistance without travelling long distances.
“We have commissioned the opening of the Legal Aid district offices and it means that we now have an office where our officers work from,” he said.
“One of the pillars in NDS2 is to ensure that we strengthen our institutions. That is exactly what we have done here as the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, where we are bringing legal intellectuals closer to the people.”
Adv Mazungunye said the establishment of the offices will particularly benefit indigent people who often struggle to access legal services due to financial constraints.
“The commissioning of this district office is actually a good thing for the people of Beitbridge because it means the indigent from this area will be able to be assisted. They will come to these offices and they will be assisted,” he said.
He said the development demonstrated Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to justice, particularly for communities that previously faced challenges accessing legal services.
Adv Mazungunye said the initiative was also in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We are very much pleased as the ministry as we are acting in line with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one, no place behind,” he said.
He said the decentralisation of services will ensure that communities such as Beitbridge also benefited from the Ministry’s programmes and services.
The commissioning of the offices is expected to enhance access to legal assistance for vulnerable groups while strengthening the delivery of justice at district level.
