Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
PLUMTREE Town came to a virtual standstill on Friday as the local magistrate’s court led a public awareness campaign for the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), just 40 days before Matabeleland South and Masvingo courts go fully paperless.
The procession was led by Plumtree resident magistrate, Mr Blessing Tsingano, and included stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Plumtree Town Council and members of the public.
It began at the Plumtree courthouse and moved through the town centre, stopping at Phaneni Bus Rank.
Speaker after speaker expressed excitement about the new system. The route to Phaneni Bus Rank was particularly eye-catching. Shoppers, stall vendors and shop attendants paused their daily routines to cheer the procession. Along the way, Mr Tsingano and regional magistrate Ms Dambudzo Malunga handed out informational fliers in Tjikalanga, IsiNdebele and English, explaining the IECMS. “It’s my first time hearing about this system, but from what this flier says, I wonder why it took so long to be implemented. However, it’s better late than never,” said one shopper, Mr Martin Dube.
At the address centre, Ms Prunela Tembo, representing Plumtree Town Council, welcomed the system, saying it will make court services more accessible.
“Technology knows no face. You can now even report cases through your cellphone without the burden of travelling to the courts. As the Plumtree Town Council, we embrace this new way of justice dispensation,” she said.
Plumtree district public prosecutor Mr Robin Mukura added that the paperless system will simplify operations for both NPAZ and its clients. “We can’t be thankful enough for this system,” he said.
The Officer commanding crime in Bulilima and Mangwe district, Superintendent Rosemary Mangena, highlighted the practical benefits of the new system.
“Gone are the days of handling dockets physically. It will now be much easier to track the progress of cases. Some police stations are far from the courts, which brings costs and time burdens, but with this system, that will be a thing of the past,” she said.
Principal Correctional Officer Yusuf Yusuf, representing the ZPCS, said the system offers significant advantages, including cost and time savings. He noted that the risks of prison escapes, whether due to inept officers or corruption, would also be reduced.
“Dangerous prisoners will now have their cases heard virtually, from the comfort of their confinement.
“We are happy there will be no more stories about missing dockets,” he said.
Chief Mphini, who also attended the event, affirmed that traditional leaders fully support the system and, saying in the near future, they will also be able to virtually sentence litigants.
The procession concluded at Petrotrade filling station along the Plumtree-Border Road, where Ms Malunga delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging all stakeholders for their participation.
Mr Tsingano said the procession was intended to garner public support ahead of the official launch on October 1.
“We had several stakeholders participating, and judging by public reaction, I am excited and satisfied. People are looking forward to this system coming on board,” he said.
The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) introduced IECMS in the magistrates’ court in January this year, rolling it out in phases across provinces. The campaign in Plumtree is part of plans to digitise 16 courts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo. Magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North went live on the digital platform in July.
The fourth phase of IECMS implementation ensures courts transition to a fully paperless environment, with electronic case filing, virtual hearings, and real-time tracking accessible to the public. Benefits include improved collaboration, operational efficiency, accountability, communication, transparency, 24/7 service availability and reduced time and transport costs.
