Online Reporter
Post Reporter
THE ongoing Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) exercise being rolled out by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) at magistrates’ courts across the country enters a landmark stage today, with Phase 4:2 being implemented in Masvingo and Matabeleland provinces to enhance efficiency, transparency and accessibility to justice.
The IECMS is an initiative aimed at digitalising the magistrates’ courts countrywide.
In a statement today, JSC said all the 10 magistrates’ courts in Masvingo and six stations in Matabaleland provinces will officially be digitalised today.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the judicial system in Zimbabwe as we officially launch the digitalization of all 16 magistrates’ courts in Masvingo and Matabaleland provinces. This initiative is being implemented under Phase 4:2 of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of justice. The transition to a digital framework is a pivotal step towards modernising our courts.
“The IECMS will streamline case management processes, reduce delays and ensure that court records are maintained in a secure and accessible manner. This system will not only improve the speed of judicial proceedings but also provide vital data analytics that will aid in policy and decision-making,” reads the statement.
As well as being transparent and critical in reducing corruption, that system’s paperless nature ensures that printing and photocopying costs are curtailed. It also significantly reduces travel expenses given that some civil court sessions will be conducted virtually.
“More importantly, the public will benefit from e-payment of fees, e-filing of case documents, online case tracking, virtual court hearing and access to judgements,” adds the statement.
JSC commended various stakeholders like National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Law Society of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service, among others, for their collaborative efforts in making the initiative a success.
Magistrates’ courts in Manicaland and Mashonaland East province will go live with IECMS under Phase 4:3 of the initiative.
