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Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
A SPECIAL taskforce comprising the police, National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is on the cards to deal with cases of corruption in the country, Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku said yesterday.
He was a speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Victoria Falls magistrates’ Court here.
The construction of the $370 000 court was bankrolled by Royal Danish Embassy in conjunction with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
A total of 22 such courts are being built countrywide.
“We are one of the stakeholders who on February 5, 2016 came together for the first time ever and publicly pledged to go beyond rhetoric and take practical steps against corruption.
“This was after realisation that criminal syndicates perpetuating corruption operated across organisations. Very shortly we will set up special teams from ZRP, National Prosecution Authority and JSC to expeditiously investigate, prosecute and adjudicate cases of corruption respectively. JSC has adopted an inclusive approach and we will continue to play our role in this respect and will treat all other stakeholders with respect,” said CJ Chidyausiku.
He said a survey on the state of courtrooms countrywide showed “horrifying” results as some courts operated from disused community halls and beerhalls while others had no ablution facilities with magistrates and staff sharing toilets with accused persons.
“We are gathered here to mark the official opening of yet another courthouse delivered courtesy of the successful co-operation between the JSC, the Royal Danish Embassy and the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing,” said CJ Chidyausiku.
He bemoaned failure by the Government to complete Chinhoyi and Gwanda courts which have been at a standstill for more than nine years.
“I am informed that the cost of rehabilitating both sites (Chinhoyi and Gwanda) is equivalent to the cost of constructing 10 courthouses similar to this one,” said CJ Chidyausiku.
“This particular project is evidence of what can be achieved using little resources. I don’t wish to belittle the amount of aid that we have received from the Royal Danish Embassy but the amount of money used to develop a court house as this one is incomparable to the value that it adds to the justice delivery system and dignity of magistrates and all staff.”
He said the co-operation with the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) is a relationship built on trust over the years since 2010.
Representing the Danish Embassy, Mrs Signe Winding Albjerg, said the opening of the court is a culmination of a substantial partnership between JSC and Danida to improve the justice delivery system for Zimbabweans.
“Together we are well on course to successfully complete this programme through the construction of 22 magistrates’ courts throughout Zimbabwe,” she said.
Mrs Albjerg said besides meeting justice delivery, the model courts also meet the JSC’s objective of building and maintaining independence and integrity of Zimbabwe’s justice system.
“The process leading to today has been extensive and doesn’t only increase JSC’s practical control over resources but provides another layer that insulates it from outside interference. As we prepare for closure of Danish Embassy Office at the end of 2016, it is inspiring for us to witness the advancement of the justice delivery system as a result of JSC efforts,” she added.
Mrs Albjerg said their interest in JSC was driven by the fact that the Danida action plan dovetailed with JSC’s strategic plan.
Local Government Minister Kasukuwere thanked Danida for the project saying it wouldn’t have been a success without the Royal Embassy’s contribution.
He said the project cost $370 000 over a period of eight months, showing that huge projects can be completed with little resources.
The Minister of State for Matabeleland North Cain Mathema said the project showed Government’s commitment to decentralising the justice system to remote areas.
Present at the court’s official opening were Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe, NPA officers, Deputy President of the Chief’s Council Chief Mtshane Khumalo, all five chiefs from Hwange district, service chiefs, and heads of government departments.
Online Reporter