admin
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has made significant progress in tackling the backlog of murder cases in the Midlands province.
In just two weeks, the NPA has successfully handled more than 100 murder cases at the special Midlands High Court Circuits that were established by Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
The Judicial Service Commission set up the courts to fast-track the clearance of around 150 murder cases in three weeks.
The Midlands High Court Circuit has already shown impressive results, handling 50 murder cases in just one week. This initiative is part of a larger effort to address the surge in murder cases in the province.
By setting up these circuits, the NPA and the JSC hope to bring justice to the victims’ families and help reduce the backlog of cases.
As of last Friday, 85 cases had been completed, with over 35 convicted of murder; the highest sentence being life imprisonment, while others were convicted of culpable homicide.
Out of 104 cases handled in just two weeks, the majority of yet to be completed ones are at the judgment level, while only a few have been postponed, and in some cases, the accused have been referred for medical examinations.
According to the NPA, in terms of sentencing, the court handed down severe penalties to deter potential offenders, with the highest sentence being life imprisonment, imposed in Gweru.
Courage Hwami, a 34-year-old man, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of one count of murder and another count of attempted murder at the High Court sitting in Gweru.
During the first week ending September 14, the court issued two 30-year sentences, two 25-year sentences (in Gweru), and three 20-year sentences (one in Gweru and two in Gokwe).
In the just-ended second week, ending September 20, the court again issued 35-year sentences, and three 30-year sentences, while several other accused persons were given 20-year sentences in Gweru. Several others received long-term sentences in Gokwe.
The Midlands Province has the highest rate of murder cases in the country, with 90 percent of these incidents involving lethal weapons.
In another case, Muiti Musinamwana was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of his 16-year-old cousin. Musinamwana was convicted and sentenced by the Gweru High Court circuit.
According to the NPA, Musinamwana was a secondary school student at the time the offence was committed.
Another man, Nigel Phiri (21), was sentenced to an effective 35 years in prison for murdering a 94-year-old woman after being arraigned before the High Court sitting in Gweru.
The Prosecutor General, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, is personally overseeing the prosecution of these murder cases. Five judges have been deployed to hear these cases.
Recently, in an interview, Justice Matanda-Moyo said the NPA was dedicated to clearing the backlog.
“So I want to believe that we are going to be able to clear the 150 cases that we have set down.
“The judiciary has given us five judges who are dealing with the murder cases. Two are sitting in Gokwe and three are sitting in Gweru.”
Online Reporter