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Herald Reporter
More magistrates courts can now be built in high-density suburbs after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) acquired suitable land and this is part of the process of implementing Government and JSC policy to take the justice delivery system to the people in line with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Land has now been secured in Cowdray Park and Emganwini in Bulawayo while discussions are ongoing between the JSC and City of Harare for more land to build three courts in Mabvuku, Budiriro and Glen Norah while construction of the new court in Epworth, is almost complete.
Construction of magistrate courts in high density suburbs is consistent with the Second Republic’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind in terms of development, including access to justice. In an interview, JSC head of corporate services Mr Daniel Nemukuyu said land had since been identified and obtained in Bulawayo.
Besides the two courts where work can start soon, the JSC would like to add courts at Nkulumane and Entumbane.
While the commission has applied to Harare City Council for land in Mabvuku, Budiriro and Glen Norah it is yet yet to get a response from the city council.
Government has embarked on a programme to decentralise the justice delivery system through setting up magistrate courts in more district towns and in high density suburbs and has been building suitable premises in more provincial capitals for resident High Court judges.
Much of the court work is with civil matters, were people need the magistrate or judge sorting out a dispute to be close by, as well as for criminal cases where it makes justice more efficient when witnesses just have to be brought to court for a day, rather than be expected to travel long distances.
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