Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Judicial Service Commission has rolled out the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) to magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland East Province, a move expected to enhance efficiency, transparency and the speedy resolution of cases.
The official launch of Phase 4.3 of the programme was held in Marondera this week and was presided over by Deputy Chief Justice Paddington Garwe.
He was accompanied by Deputy Attorney General Nelson Mutsonziwa and senior officials from the commission.
The IECMS is a digital platform that allows for real-time case tracking, electronic filing of court documents and virtual court hearings, significantly modernising the administration of justice.
Speaking after assessing the rollout, Deputy Chief Justice Garwe expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“We are here in Marondera to assess how the rollout of the IECMS is progressing, and my assessment is that it has started well,” he said.
“All staff members have undergone training, and public awareness campaigns were conducted.
“It is still a work in progress, but we have begun on a positive note and expect to grow from strength to strength.”
He said the system was designed to improve access to justice by reducing the need for litigants and legal practitioners to travel long distances to attend court proceedings.
“In the past, people had to travel considerable distances to access justice. This programme allows lawyers and litigants to access the system from wherever they are,” he said.
“Court proceedings can also be conducted virtually, even when parties are located far apart. The ultimate goal is to ensure that people seeking justice can do so conveniently and efficiently.”
Deputy Attorney General Mutsonziwa said digitalisation was transforming Zimbabwe’s criminal justice system by improving efficiency, accountability and security.
“The digitalisation of the courts is the way forward. It modernises the criminal justice system and has already demonstrated significant benefits,” he said.
“It reduces unnecessary human interaction and safeguards information from manipulation or tampering. This is the global trend and Zimbabwe cannot afford to be left behind.”
Mr Mutsonziwa said the system would also strengthen transparency by enabling parties to monitor the progress of their cases in real time.
“The system improves efficiency because processes are completed within shorter timeframes. It also enhances accountability and transparency, as cases can be tracked easily and litigants can see exactly what stage their matters have reached,” he said.
The rollout of the IECMS forms part of the Judiciary’s broader modernisation programme aimed at improving service delivery, increasing access to justice and leveraging technology to strengthen the administration of justice across the country.
