Online Reporter
Ray Bande and Solomon Bhumu
RESIDENTS of Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces will soon be able to access court services from the comfort of their homes, thanks to the Judiciary Services Commission (JSC)’s accelerated rollout of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS).
Beginning April 1, litigants will be able to file court papers, attend hearings, and follow cases through to completion online, marking a significant step in the digitization of Zimbabwe’s justice system.
This development was announced during the JSC’s whirlwind tour of Manicaland Province on Tuesday, where the Commission’s Secretary, Mr Walter Chikwanha, addressed stakeholders at Chipinge, Chimanimani, and Mutare Magistrates’ Courts.
In his remarks, Mr Chikwanha traced the journey of the IECMS and explained how the system is transforming access to justice across the country.
“The main reason I am here is to talk to you about the digitization of the courts. We intend to place this court under the digitization process,” he said.
He noted that the initiative began in 2022 with the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Commercial Court, which were the first to be placed under the IECMS.
Since then, the system has been progressively extended to other courts, including the Labour Court, Administrative Court, High Court, and the Office of the Sheriff.
These stages comprised Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the digitization programme.
In July 2025, the magistrates’ courts were brought into the fold, beginning with Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North under Phase 4.1, followed by Masvingo and Matabeleland South under Phase 4.2.
Mr Chikwanha emphasised that the rollout is continuing in line with the Chief Justice’s announcement during the launch of the 2026 legal year.
“The Chief Justice made it clear yesterday that the digitization process is moving ahead. We are now entering Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces as Phase 4.3 of this programme,” he said.
The IECMS is expected to revolutionize the way citizens interact with the justice system, reducing the need for physical presence in courtrooms and cutting down on delays caused by paperwork and travel. By digitizing processes, the JSC aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, ensuring that justice is not only delivered but delivered swiftly and conveniently.
For residents of Manicaland and Mashonaland East, the April 1 rollout represents more than just a technological upgrade—it is a promise of greater access to justice, even in remote areas where physical courts may be difficult to reach.
The Judiciary Services Commission’s (JSC) commitment to expanding the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) reflects its vision of building a modern judiciary that keeps pace with global trends while remaining responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.
Speaking during a tour of Manicaland Province, JSC Secretary Mr Walter Chikwanha announced that Manicaland and Mashonaland East will be digitized under Phase 4.3 of the IECMS rollout, with the process set to begin on April 1, 2026.
“That is the reason why I am here,” he told stakeholders gathered at Chipinge, Chimanimani, and Mutare Magistrates’ Courts.
Mr Chikwanha explained that personnel will be deployed in Manicaland starting Monday to train stakeholders on the use and operations of the IECMS.
“From today, right up to March 31, we will hold various programmes where trainers will meet stakeholders to impart skills and knowledge on the system. A team of trainers will be here for three days to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared,” he said.
He emphasized that critical institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) must undergo training to ensure seamless adoption of the system.
“What this means is that those who wish to file court papers, whether summons, applications, or criminal matters, will no longer be required to physically visit the courts. You can now file papers, interact with the court, and even attend hearings digitally through the IECMS,” he explained.
Outlining the requirements for using the system, Mr Chikwanha said users will need basic digital devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, or iPads, as well as internet connectivity. Registration on the IECMS platform is mandatory. “You cannot use IECMS unless and until you are registered. It is a web-based system, so internet access is essential. Payments to the court can also be made through the IECMS platform, eliminating the need for physical presence,” he said.
He further explained how the system will streamline criminal proceedings.
“If the police want to file papers, they simply forward them to the prosecutor. Once satisfied, the prosecutor files them with the Clerk of Court through IECMS. There is no longer any need for person-to-person meetings or physical presence for matters to be processed,” he noted.
Acknowledging potential challenges, Mr Chikwanha said the JSC is mindful that some stakeholders may lack electricity, internet access, or digital devices. To address this, the Commission will establish an E-Filing Office at Chimanimani Court.
“This office will be staffed by an IECMS expert and equipped with all necessary gadgets, electricity, and internet connectivity. Whether you are from the police, ZPCS, a legal practitioner, or a member of the public, you will be assisted free of charge to register and file papers through IECMS. No payment is required to use the E-Filing Office,” he assured.
Mr Chikwanha stressed that the initiative aligns with the Government’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS2), which emphasize e-justice as part of building an upper middle-income economy.
“This process is aimed at enhancing justice delivery and ensuring that access to justice becomes simple and convenient for all citizens. We are appealing for cooperation from all stakeholders because this transformation is for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Ends
