Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) has taken another major step in modernising Zimbabwe’s justice delivery system with the official launch of the digitalisation of all magistrates’ courts in Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces.
The roll-out, which falls under Phase 4:2 of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), marks the full digitisation of 16 court stations, 10 in Masvingo and six in Matabeleland South.
In a statement, the JSC said the move would transform court operations by streamlining case management processes, cutting delays and ensuring that records are stored securely and accessed easily.
“This system is a game-changer in our justice sector. It is designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. It reduces corruption, eliminates printing and photocopying costs, and minimises travel expenses as some civil cases can now be heard virtually,” said JSC.
The IECMS enables e-filing of documents, online payment of fees, virtual hearings, judgement access and real-time case tracking. Court users will also receive updates via SMS or email, improving communication and cutting down on administrative bottlenecks.
To safeguard integrity, lawyers seeking access to the system must first be cleared by the Law Society of Zimbabwe, a move that ensures bogus legal practitioners are weeded out.
The JSC emphasised that the initiative is the result of collaboration with key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) police, Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ), Ministry of Justice, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), among others.
The latest phase follows the successful digitisation of magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North in July 2025 under Phase 4:1. The JSC said Phase 4:3 will soon move into Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces.
“With this digital transformation, Zimbabwe is steadily building a justice system that is efficient, transparent, and accessible to all. Together, we are building a more efficient, transparent, and accessible justice system for all Zimbabweans,” said JSC
