Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Herald Correspondent
Chief Magistrate Mrs Vongai Guwuriro says she has confidence in the justice delivery system following the successful rollout of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North provinces.
After the swearing in three new magistrates in Harare yesterday, the Chief Magistrate highlighted progress, challenges and future plans for the judiciary’s digital transformation.
“We have successfully launched the integrated case management system in the magistrate courts, particularly in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North,” Mrs Guwuriro said.
“The superior courts have already digitalised, so we had the opportunity to learn from that process, which allowed us to prepare thoroughly and anticipate potential challenges. This gave us a solid foundation to ensure a smooth transition.”
The three magistrates who were sworn in are Mr Tafara Machaya, Ms Nyarai Patience Mushoriwa and Ms Meggie Ruzive.
The Chief Magistrate outlined the measures taken to ensure the successful implementation of IECMS, including robust internet and power backup systems and extensive training for staff and stakeholders.
“We have three internet facilities to provide backup in case one becomes weak for any reason,” she said.
“Additionally, we have power backup systems in place, and our staff members have been trained to interface with the new system confidently. We also trained stakeholders well in advance, which has greatly assisted the transition.”
She also said that preparations are already underway for the digitalisation of magistrate courts in Masvingo and Matabeleland South, with the system scheduled to go live in both provinces on October 1.
“As part of our preparations, we have launched publicity campaigns, including what we call ‘IECMS Fridays,’ where we engage with the public in both rural and urban areas,” she said.
“Local chiefs have played a pivotal role in congregating court users in rural areas, where we educate them on what IECMS is and its benefits. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the citizens are embracing the system.”
Mrs Guwuriro also said Zimbabwe had 247 magistrates, comprising 98 males and 147 females.
She praised the judiciary’s gender balance and noted the increasing interest from women in joining the profession.
“The applications we are receiving show that more females are opting to become magistrates than males,” she said.
“With the newly sworn-in magistrates, we are in a safe place for now in terms of gender representation.
However, there are times when we face resignations for various reasons, which creates gaps that we then need to address through recruitment and training.”
The Chief Magistrate emphasised that the addition of more magistrates would significantly improve the justice delivery system in Zimbabwe by expediting the handling of cases and reducing backlogs.
