Circuit courts complete 137 murder cases

Sunday Mail Reporter

ONE hundred and thirty-seven out of 150 murder cases that were set down for trial at special circuit courts in the Midlands province were completed between September 9 and Friday.

The special circuit courts were set up by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in Gweru and Gokwe, where five judges of the High Court sat for the past three weeks.

In Gweru, there were three judges presiding over 90 cases, while Gokwe had two judges handling 60 cases.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), 87 cases were completed in Gweru, while 50 trials were concluded in Gokwe.

NPAZ spokesperson Ms Angeline Munyeriwa said:

“The special circuit was a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our justice system. We are pleased to report that the NPAZ successfully disposed of a substantial number of cases, demonstrating our commitment to timely and equitable justice. This is in line with the Prosecutor-General’s theme for the year 2024, which is ‘Restoring Public Trust Through Timely and Just Prosecution’.

“We completed 91 percent of the cases that were set down for trial. A few cases could not be tried because the witnesses could not be located.”

The NPAZ commended stakeholders who played a role in the efficient running of the circuit courts.

“In particular, we would like to acknowledge prosecutors for their unwavering commitment to the task and the JSC for their invaluable support in ensuring the smooth functioning of the court.

“We also extend our sincere gratitude to the judges, including the Deputy Judge President, Garainesu Mawadze, and the assessors who worked tirelessly for sitting long hours each day, including weekends. The JSC also made sure that witness expenses were paid out on time.

“Their contribution was instrumental in guaranteeing that all accused persons had access to legal representation.”

The successful conclusion of the special circuit courts, Mrs Munyeriwa added, underscores the Prosecutor-General’s dedication to delivering justice in a timely and efficient manner.

“We will continue to strive to enhance the effectiveness of our justice system and ensure that all individuals have access to justice, according to the Prosecutor-General’s vision of the NPAZ,” she said.

“We are confident that the sentences that were handed down by the court will deter would-be offenders in the Midlands province, where violent assaults had become the order of the day.

“In most of the cases that we prosecuted, lives were needlessly lost as people were killed in bar squabbles over meaningless issues.

“Our job as the NPAZ is to ensure a just, secure and peaceful society. The courts meted out very stiff sentences to deter would-be criminals.

“We had sentences ranging from 15 years to 40 years and life, with Emmanuel Mahembe getting two life sentences.”