adminMathew Masinge
THE marked increase in murder, rape, corruption and armed robbery cases has resulted in the establishment of a Criminal Justice System National Council.
The new council, chaired by the Judge President of the High Court, has been set up to deal with the chronic problem of overcrowding in local prisons.
As part of its mandate, the newly-formed council has sworn to deliver quality justice timeously, efficiently and impartially.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said the increase in unresolved criminal matters is worrying.
“The formation of the National Council has been necessitated by concerns about the worrying number of criminal matters in all categories and at all court levels that remain unresolved for long periods of time.
“Among others, there is a marked increase in murder, rape, corruption and armed robbery cases,” said Chief Justice Malaba.
Chief Justice Malaba said there is a need to investigate the real cause why litigants are not being tried on time.
“A large number of accused persons have been awaiting indictment to the High Court for trial for periods exceeding three years.
“Corruption cases are moving slowly.
“There is a chronic problem of overcrowding in the prisons. A number of issues arise.
“Despite an increase in the population and the rate of crime, prison facilities have largely remained the same.
“There is a need to investigate the real cause of the problem of overcrowding in the prisons and to take corrective measures.”
He added:
“The bottlenecks in the criminal justice system call for an effective multi-sectoral approach for their resolution.
“While there are in place stakeholder committees at district and provincial levels that routinely meet to address issues besetting the criminal justice system, there is no effective cooperation and coordination at higher levels of decision-making of the activities of the different players in the criminal justice system.”
The National Council also comprises the Prosecutor General, who is the deputy chairperson, head of the Bulawayo High Court, head of the Criminal Division Harare High Court and chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Secretary of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, the Chief Magistrate, Commissioner General of Police and Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service are also members of the National Council.
Online Reporter