Online Reporter
THE Government will build traditional courts for all chiefs across the country, with the first phase involving the construction of a court in each province, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti has said.
Speaking in Harare this week, Eng Muguti said the designs of the planned courts have since been completed.
“President Mnangagwa has approved the construction of traditional chiefs’ courts, so we are going to start with 10. We are going to construct a chief’s court in each province,” Eng Muguti said.
The Judicial Service Commission is running a parallel capacity-building programme for traditional leaders covering customary law, court procedure, ethics and human rights, with emphasis on dignity and respect for litigants.
Eng Muguti also announced that chiefs’ drivers will be employed directly by the ministry so they can be trained in protocol and vehicle handling, replacing the practice of chiefs choosing relatives with licences.
The reforms come as Government enforces accountability in traditional governance, with over 3 000 village heads under investigation over illegal land sales.
Eng Muguti warned traditional leaders against misconduct, saying a circular on ethical conduct will be issued.
He urged chiefs to follow proper channels when submitting matters and to avoid allowing illegal settlement on communal and State land.
The meeting also covered disaster preparedness ahead of the anticipated 2026/27 El Nino phenomenon.
