Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court has joined other provincial centres country wide in conducting virtual court sessions in a development that is not only transformative of the usual modes of conducting judicial business but also cost-effective with matters being finalised expeditiously as part of international best practices.
The virtual court sittings in Bulawayo commenced last month. Nationally the virtual courts were launched by Chief Justice Luke Malaba in 2022 as part of the efforts that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) have undertaken to adapt and transform the administration of justice through the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS).
JSC spokesperson Mr Daniel Nemukuyu confirmed the latest development saying the JSC has equipped Bulawayo Magistrates Court housed at Tredgold Building. He said the virtual courts will cut costs and improve on timeliness.
“At Tredgold Magistrates’ Court, we have installed two 55-inch television sets, two desktop computers, two swivel cameras, two wall speakers, one security camera, one amplifier, one audio box, six microphones, dedicated fibre link for that court which provides uninterrupted internet connectivity.
“At prisons, there is a camera, desktop computer and an amplifier. The system deals with all remand cases where the accused person is in custody,” said Mr Nemukuyu.
The first institution to benefit on the virtual court hearing platform is the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) as thousands of inmates housed in remand prisons are expected to appear before the courts regularly for routine remands and trials.
Sunday News has been closely monitoring the court sessions since their commencement last month at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court where Court Three has been equipped with the necessary gadgets.
This news crew observed that through the virtual hearing platform, it is no longer necessary for inmates to appear physically in court. They can interact with the court virtually while they are in prison. They can even make an application for bail virtually.
Mr Nemukuyu said the costs associated with transporting prisoners to and from courts are done away with.
“The system has a number of benefits. It reduces costs of bringing accused persons to court. It saves time and enables courts to deal with trial matters on time.
“Virtual courts have already been set up at all provincial centres country wide. They are up and running,” said Mr Nemukuyu.
He said when court proceedings are held virtually, it is convenient not only to the court officials including judicial officers, but also to the litigating public and others who do not need to travel to court but can easily follow the proceedings in the comfort of their homes. -@nyeve14
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