adminraised concern among High Court judges that the Attorney-General’s Office must put its house in order.
Justice Hlekani Mwayera raised the issue yesterday when two police prosecutors who were representing the State sought several postponements to allow them to prepare responses.
This was after the police prosecutors took over from their striking colleagues. Justice Mwayera ordered the State to put its house in order and ensure responses were filed in time to avoid further postponements.
“What is happening? I am asking because I am concerned with the number of cases being postponed today. This is the third postponement. Please, you have to file your responses on time to avoid further postponements.
“Unfortunately, it is only the two of you appearing in this court but the message should reach others at your office.”
Out of 14 cases lined up for yesterday, only one was heard while the rest were postponed due to delays linked to the handover-takeover of matters because of the strike.
In most of the cases, the State had not filed responses to the bail applications. The two prosecutors would stand up and request for time to take over and respond to the applications.
When the strike started last Tuesday, 15 cases out of 18 cases were postponed for related reasons, leaving the court to hear only three matters. Justice Joseph Musakwa and Justice Mwayera presided over the matters on that day.
Online Reporter