Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
The Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) that has been introduced within the justice system will ensure improved access to court papers for media practitioners as they fulfill their mandate of informing the public.
The digitised system is aimed at improving efficiency in justice delivery in Zimbabwe and is part of efforts to digitise the court system in line with modern trends globally.
The process integrates courts from the Magistrate’s Court, High Court, Supreme Court and Constitutional Court to ensure that court processes are digitally controlled, thereby limiting movement of stakeholders and reducing paperwork.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with court officials, lawyers, the police, ordinary citizens, border agencies among other stakeholders at the Gwanda Magistrates Court, Judiciary Services Commission (JSC), Secretary Mr Walter Chikwanha said the media is a crucial stakeholder in the roll out of the IECMS.
“The media is a crucial partner in this process just like lawyers, prosecutors, members of the JSC as they report on crime. Gone are the days when journalists would have to requests for the court papers from the clerk of court, where at times we are told they have to beg for the court documents.
“The journalists will be able to access the court papers and fulfill their mandate of informing the public. The court papers will be accessible through proper media platforms that have been put in place,” he said.
Mr Chikwanha said under IECMS, everything will be done transparently for the public to see. He said the evidence, exhibits, affidavits will tendered publicly and people will be able to closely follow cases and have an appreciation of proceedings.
The JSC has set a plan in motion to digitise a total of 16 courts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces as it extends the coverage of the IECMS countrywide following digitisation of the Supreme Court.
So far magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North went live on the digital platform at the beginning of July this year.
The initiative is part of the fourth phase of IECMS implementation and among other things will ensure these courts transition to a fully paperless environment, with electronic case filing and tracking now available to the public.
@DubeMatutu
