Shortage of magistrates

up. Zimbabwe’s judiciary requires 250 magistrates but only 214 posts are filled.
“We have a freeze in the chief magistrate’s office,” said Mr Guvamombe in an interview yesterday.
“We are not able to recruit replacement of staff we are losing through resignation, death, retirement and other reasons. We are understaffed.”
He however, said his office was striving for excellence with the limited staff.
“We are working very hard with the available staff. Considering our limited numbers, I can safely say we are on top of the situation. Our efficiency would improve if the vacant posts are filled up,” he said.
The resignation of magistrates has of late been linked to poor remuneration and other working conditions. Mr Guvamombe said the Judicial Service Commission had since embarked on a programme of providing magistrates with accommodation, removing them from potentially compromising areas where they were staying.