adminRunesu Gwidi in GUTU
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has reiterated its stance of zero tolerance to corruption within the country’s justice system, warning that stern measures will be taken against rotten apples.
JSC secretary Mr Walter Chikwana said corruption and other malpractices will never be condoned within the country’s courts.
Speaking during a tour of new Gutu Magistrates’ Court offices recently, Mr Chikwana said Government will not hesitate to kick out judges, magistrates and prosecutors who engage in vices such as corruption.
He said with immediate effect, stringent measures and close monitoring would be done to make sure rotten apples in the country’s justice system were flushed out.
“JSC will not hesitate to dismiss our staff who engage in corrupt tendencies. The judicial service is not an arena for receiving bribes, violating of court rules and other malpractices.”
“So far we have busted a corrupt cartel at Nyanga Magistrates’ Court involving two clerks and some top officials. In Masvingo, we dismissed one magistrate over gross incompetence linked to alleged corruption, while in Rusape the JSC resolved to transfer nearly the entire staff at the station following reports of alleged corruption,” he said.
Added Mr Chikwana: “The commission has also expressed dismay over another corruption syndicate involving magistrates which recently emerged at Karoi Magistrates’ Court.
“Such horrifying cases of indiscipline have prompted JSC to occasionally transfer it’s manpower.”
Mr Chikwana said JSC would not stop transferring its employees in the event of reports of impropriety.
“Some of our staff are not happy with transfers, but transfers need to be accepted as part of work. Transfers are very vital. They indirectly protect jobs,” he said.
“JSC has since observed that our members of staff engage in corruption simply because they overstay at stations and eventually become too familiar with locals. Hence, transfers help in curbing cases of graft.’’
Mr Chikwana was accompanied by Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Garainesu Mawadze and the acting Chief Magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi together with other senior officials during the tour.
Online Reporter