Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
On October 17 last year, the Chinhoyi High Court delivered a significant ruling when Justice Filda Muzofa found Thulani Ncube guilty of murdering his wife and brother at Nyimo Business Centre in Sanyati earlier that year.
Ncube received sentences of 25 and 20-years imprisonment to run concurrently.
This case was part of a larger achievement in Mashonaland West, where Chinhoyi Courts demonstrated impressive judicial efficiency, completing 1 739 out of 1 860 criminal cases last year.
The remarkable achievement reflects a 93 percent clearance rate, showcasing the commitment of the Chinhoyi judiciary in delivering timely justice.
Constitutional Court judge, Justice Bharat Patel, announced these statistics yesterday at the official opening of the Chinhoyi Judicial Services Commission 2026 Legal Year.
He commended the courts for their high clearance rates.
“The criminal division began the year with 147 cases carried over from 2024. During 2025, 1 713 new cases were filed, bringing the total caseload to 1 860,” he said.
“Of these, 1 739 cases were completed, leaving 121 pending.”
The efficiency also extended to the Criminal Division of the High Court, which started the year with three outstanding cases from the previous year.
Last year, 1 945 new cases were filed, resulting in a total of 1 948.
Remarkably, the court completed 1 919 cases, carrying over only 29 into 2026, achieving a stunning completion rate of 98,5 percent.
The accomplishments of the Chinhoyi courts are not limited to criminal cases. Justice Patel highlighted the efficacy of the Civil Division, where all 304 cases received during the year were finalised; perfect completion rate of 100 percent.
This illustrates the judicial commitment to resolving civil matters promptly.
Similarly, the Family Division showed commendable performance, completing all 278 new cases filed in 2025.
The Civil Division began the year with 36 carry over cases from the previous year, then received 2 439 new cases, finalising 1 849 of them, which left 626 pending; yielding a 75 percent clearance rate.
Justice Patel attributed the courts’ successes to the implementation of the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), which has enhanced operational efficiency and contributed to judicial independence. “Equally important is the prevention of corruption, both internally and externally, as unethical practices undermine quality and inclusivity and erode public trust,” said Justice Patel.
He highlighted that performance management must align with constitutional standards, focusing on administrative efficiency, timeliness and maintaining integrity in the justice system.
“The adoption of performance management and technology is a constitutional requirement, not a matter of convenience,” he said.
The drive for a dependable judiciary, supported by measurable performance and ethical use of technology, aims to bolster public trust.
The event marking the Chinhoyi Judicial Services Commission 2026 Legal Year gathered various stakeholders, including the Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, provincial security chiefs, traditional leaders, judges, magistrates, legal practitioners and representatives of the Law Society.
