Tinaye Agere
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has begun implementing measures to reduce the backlog of over 16 000 cases.
The backlog has been a major challenge for the justice delivery system, impacting the rights of both the accused and victims.
The NPA is now hiring more prosecutors, enhancing its case management system and leveraging on technology to streamline prosecution of criminal cases.
Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo told The Sunday Mail that the authority is pulling out all the stops to reduce the number of cases awaiting hearing.
“Several steps are being taken to address the backlog of criminal cases at the courts,” she said.
“These include leveraging on the Integrated Electronic Case Management System.
“New technologies such as video conferencing and electronic filing are being introduced to streamline court processes and reduce delays. We are improving our case management practices to ensure cases are processed efficiently.”
This, she said, includes setting realistic deadlines and tracking the progress of cases in courts in real time.
“Also, Government is providing more resources to the NPA to address the backlog of cases.
“This includes funding for new staff, equipment and investment in new technologies.”
Further, as part of measures to address the backlog, prosecutors will no longer consent to postponement of matters.
“Prosecutors will not postpone matters without due cause,” she said.
“All cases that are set down must be finalised; cases that are not ready for trial must not be set down and witnesses must not be summoned just to have their cases postponed.
“We are also implementing effective case management practices and streamlining the movement of dockets between the NPA and investigating authorities, as well as within the NPA itself.”
Cases, she added, will now be prioritised based on their seriousness.
The prevalence of the offence, as well as the accused person’s standing in society, will also be considered when prioritising cases.
Movement of dockets between stations will similarly be tracked in real time.
“We will also improve the techniques for assessment of evidence in the dockets to see if the dockets are ready for trial.
“There will be strict supervision and monitoring of each case to see if there is any progress as far as the trials are concerned, setting realistic deadlines and identifying potential bottlenecks,” she said.
Justice Matanda-Moyo said these measures reflect Government’s commitment to support the NPA to fulfil its mandate.
Treasury is understood to be progressively releasing funds for the recruitment of prosecutors, and procurement of information and communication technology resources.
“There are plans to allocate additional resources such as personnel, as well as technology-based solutions, to clear the backlog of cases,” she added.
“The Government, through the Treasury, has provided funding to address this challenge.
“The funding is meant for the recruitment of more prosecutors and support staff, as well as the procurement of laptops and other tools of the trade that are incidental to the clearance of the backlog and overall improvement of the quality of prosecution.”
Online Reporter