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Farai Kuvirimirwa Court Reporter
MAGISTRATES throughout the country have managed to clear the backlog on criminal cases that were pending before the courts, Chief Magistrate Mr Mishrod Guvamombe has said.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of magistrate Mr Elijah Sibanda in Harare on Wednesday, Mr Guvamombe attributed this to the number of hours magistrates have been sitting in courts.
“Because of this hard work, many stations in provinces like Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East and Masvingo have completely wiped out their backlogs and are dealing with cases as and when they come to court,” said Mr Guvamombe.
“Regional courts such as Gokwe, Gwanda and Gweru have cleared their backlogs. The Judicial Service Commission has put in a lot of resources in training magistrates in case and court management.”
Mr Guvamombe said Mr Sibanda’s appointment comes at a time when the Constitution brought in more responsibilities as it has broadened the bill of rights and the rights of arrested persons.
“The public has a right to and will justifiably subject your work to intense scrutiny, demand transparency and hold you accountable for all that may arise from judgments.
“Magistrates courts are the most visible and most accessible courts in the country to the generality of the population,” he said.
Law Society of Zimbabwe deputy secretary Mr Wilbert Mandinde appreciated the appointment of more magistrates which he said enhanced access to justice.
In the past two years, the JSC constructed courts out of pre-fabricated material in Murehwa, Mutoko and Tsholotsho.
Zimbabwe has more than 250 magistrates with 52 at resident courts while 50 are on circuit courts.
Online Reporter