Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
The continued economic growth recorded under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and an enlightened citizenry on legal issues led to an increase in the number of reported criminal cases in 2025, particularly in fraud, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said.
Chief Justice Malaba said this during his keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Legal Year today.
He noted that during the period under review, observations indicated that as the economy grew, the enhanced economic activities also resulted in an increase in civil disputes and criminal cases, especially those involving dishonesty, including fraud.
Chief Justice Malaba remarked that the rise in civil cases reflects a society that has become highly aware of its rights.
“In circumstances of such increased litigation, the courts must be seen to be responding positively by adjudicating and finalising matters filed in registries promptly, with weekly or no delays.
“It is such responses by the courts that ensure a corresponding high number of cases are completed, allowing the backlog of cases in the court to be kept under control.
“A bird’s-eye view assessment of the performances of the courts show that judges across all the superior courts and magistrates delivered exceptional performances.
“The backlogs were kept under control in all courts during the course of the year, except in the civil courts and the magistrates’ courts,” he said.
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