Bulawayo leads justice reform with new court projects as Chief Justice Malaba calls out Legal aid failures

CHIEF Justice Luke Malaba has lauded the City of Bulawayo for its proactive support of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) through the allocation of land for constructing two magistrates’ courts in Emganwini and Cowdray Park.
This initiative, following a similar move by Epworth, is expected to bring justice closer to the people and reduce congestion in existing courtrooms, ensuring greater access to legal services for local communities.

Speaking during the opening of the 2025 legal year, Chief Justice Malaba highlighted the importance of such developments in addressing systemic challenges within Zimbabwe’s justice system.
“The new courts in Bulawayo are a significant step towards delivering justice at the community level,” he said.
However, while praising the progress in infrastructure, Chief Justice Malaba expressed sharp criticism of the Legal Aid Directorate for failing to meet its constitutional obligation of providing free legal aid to financially disadvantaged individuals. He pointed out that this failure has left organisations such as the Law Society of Zimbabwe to step in and offer pro bono legal services, particularly for murder suspects.
“The Legal Aid Directorate must comply with the law and actively provide support to those who cannot afford legal representation,” Chief Justice Malaba said, emphasising the need for a more robust and accountable legal aid system.
The Chief Justice also reiterated his call for the resuscitation of fast-track courts to address delays in justice delivery, particularly for serious crimes like murder. As Zimbabwe grapples with rising crime rates and public demands for transparency and fairness, Justice Malaba’s remarks underscore the pressing need for collaboration and systemic reform.
The dual approach of enhancing infrastructure and addressing gaps in legal aid provision reflects a judiciary striving to balance efficiency with fairness, reinforcing its commitment to equitable justice for all Zimbabweans.