Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
POLICE and the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) are reviewing statistics on murder cases in the Midlands Province to assess whether or not to establish another Special High Court Circuit or advocate a permanent High Court station in Gokwe.
Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo disclosed this following a review meeting to assess the impact of Special High Court circuits on crime, especially murder, in the province.
This year, the Special High Court Circuits in Gokwe and Gweru have resolved 77 cases, highlighting a renewed commitment to delivering swift justice.
“We have cleared the backlog following a successful review meeting, the NPAZ and the police are now meticulously analysing the detailed statistics, encompassing both outstanding dockets and the current rate at which murder crimes are being committed.
“This will help us determine whether another Special High Court Circuit is necessary or if we should lobby for a permanent High Court circuit station in Gokwe or maintain the High Court Circuit in Gweru only.
“Ultimately, it is all about the numbers and the prevalence of murder cases will be the determining factor,” she said.
Justice Matanda-Moyo indicated that reports show a marked decrease in new murder cases.
“Previously, these stations would receive two or more cases every week, but now they are reportedly receiving just one, or even nothing at all, for an entire month.
“This reduction further underscores the impact of the circuit. The special High Court Circuit has had a great impact in the Midlands region because some people were now thinking that they were above the law and they were committing crimes with impunity as cases were taking too long to be tried.
“Now that the murder cases are being tried, everybody knows that they are not above the law and that they will be prosecuted, she said.
Justice Matanda-Moyo expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit that ensured the circuits’ success.
