Online Reporter
The Herald, 2 September 1983
PEOPLE who are not clear about the procedures of village courts should approach their nearest community court for information, the acting under-secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Cde Solomon Choto, said yesterday.
Addressing about 500 village and community court presiding officers attending a two-day workshop at Gokomere mission near Masvingo, Cde Choto said it had come to his ministry’s attention that some people were being “disadvantaged” because they were ignorant of their rights.
He said part of the cause was that some village court presiding officers were in some cases not “very acquainted” with their duties. “In such instances, members of the public should approach the nearest community court for an explanation if they are not satisfied with village court procedures,” he said.
This would also involve those who wanted to make appeals on their cases provided they did so within 14 days. Cde Choto also announced that the ministry would soon introduce insignias for presiding officers to identify them from impostors or “kangaroo sections”.
On court fees, Cde Choto said it was wrong for village court presiding officers to make complainants who had won their cases pay court fees. It was not likely that presiding officers’ allowances would be increased from the $2 a case set in December last year, he said.
The Minister of Justice, Cde Simbi Mubako, is expected to close the workshop today.
Lessons for today
- This article focuses on access to justice, legal awareness, accountability, and the proper functioning of local courts. Although written in 1983, its lessons remain highly relevant today.
- Some people were being disadvantaged because they did not understand village court procedures or their legal rights. The Ministry encouraged people to seek information from community courts whenever they were uncertain about procedures.
- Governments, courts, schools, media organisations, and civil society groups should continuously educate citizens about laws, legal processes, and avenues for seeking justice.
- Some village court presiding officers were not fully familiar with their duties. Continuous training and professional development are necessary for judges, magistrates, traditional leaders, police officers, and other public officials. Knowledge and competence help ensure fair decisions.
- People dissatisfied with village court decisions were advised that they could appeal within 14 days. A fair justice system must provide mechanisms for review and appeal. No individual or institution should have unchecked authority.
- The Ministry openly addressed concerns that some procedures were not being correctly followed. It planned to introduce insignias to distinguish legitimate court officials from impostors and “kangaroo courts.”
