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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Over 1 000 murder cases are pending indictment for trial at the High Court with Chief Justice Luke Malaba raising concern at the slow movement of the matters.
Chief Justice Malaba revealed this while opening the 2023 legal year on Monday.
“Serious concern has arisen relating to the slow movement and finalisation of criminal matters especially murder cases.
“Statistics show that there is excess of 1 000 murder cases pending indictment to the High Court for trial.
“The attendant difficulties and anxiety experienced by the accused persons waiting for trial, the witnesses including complainants who would want closure to cases, and members of the public with interest in the outcome of the trials cannot be ignored,” Chief Justice Malaba said.
He added that the delays in the disposal of criminal matters soiled the image of the justice delivery system and implored stakeholders that include the judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority, police and the Law Society of Zimbabwe to carry out their respective roles “so that the unacceptable situation is eliminated.”
The Chief Justice said the delays in finalising criminal matters had resulted in the creation of the National Council on the Administration of Criminal Justice to ensure a coordinated, efficient, effective and consultative approach in the administration and reform of the justice delivery system.
Chief Justice Malaba also said the Judicial Service Commission last year received 322 complaints from people that had contacts with the courts on the manner their cases were handled.
“The policy is that each complaint must be properly investigated and the complaint must be properly investigated and the complainant given feedback without delay.
“Whilst some of the complaints related to grievances against decisions made by the courts which can only be dealt with in terms of court processes, those that had merit were attended to and remedial action taken.
“This is again is done in the spirit of improving quality of service to the public,” he said.
The ceremony was held under the theme: “Promoting competence and quality of service to enhance public confidence in the judiciary.”
Online Reporter