By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – In a move aimed at improving the justice delivery system in the country, the Judiciary Services Commission (JSC) recently commissioned Chiredzi and Triangle Magistrate Courts.
The official commissioning of the two courts, that both have a witnesse sheds outside, was done by the Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
The two courts will improve efficiency in justice delivery, a constitutional right of every citizen as well as easy access to justice, a thing that was lacking over the past few years.
In his address at Chiredzi Magistrates Court, Justice Malaba said the milestone development was evident to the commission’s dedication to improve constitutionalism.
“In light of this understanding, it is therefore evident that today’s ceremony is the latest milestone that the Judiciary has achieved to entrench constitutionalism. This is so because the duty to cater for access to justice for the public is specifically imposed upon the Judiciary by the Constitution.
“However, I must also add that the JSC’s strategic focus on access to justice is not only attributable to the Judiciary. Justice systems are simply a reflection of the constitutional values that society upholds.
“As such, the Judiciary is joined by the public in taking ownership of the transformative drive to capacitate local communities with court facilities that provide an avenue to world-class justice,” said Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
Justice Malaba said the new courts had witness sheds to help safeguard the integrity of testimonies by witnesses.
“The court facility is also equipped with a witness shed. This is a critical machinery for the judicial process as it safeguards the integrity of testimonies by witnesses. The shed is also key to help preserve the privacy of witnesses. This is expected to protect their identities and ensure that their testimonies remain uncontroverted throughout the court proceedings,” Justice Malaba.
In order to avoid unnecessary delays in the justice system, Justice Malaba said the institution was designed with two courtrooms and that will help decrease backlogs.
“The present court facility has two courtrooms to facilitate the expeditious public hearing of matters. It is anticipated that the two courtrooms will be effectively utilised to prevent any unnecessary delays in the administration of justice. The construction of two courtrooms is a deliberate scheme meant to combat undue postponements of hearings and increases in court backlogs, “he said.
Speaking at the same event, Prosecutor General Loice Matanda-Moyo said the commissioning of the magistrate court will help in the upholding of rights for all individuals.
“This court will play a vital role in addressing the unique needs of this community, providing a platform for the resolution of disputes and upholding the rights of all individuals.
“It will also serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice and a symbol of our unwavering dedication to the principles of fairness and equality. As the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe we stand ready to prosecute at this new court without fear, bias and favour. We are a friend of the people of Chiredzi and an enemy to all who break the laws of our land,” she said.
She said Chiredzi was endowed with various wildlife conservation systems so there were prevalent cases of poaching by both employees and external poachers, which the advert of the new court will help in dealing with such cases.
“This particular court is located in a fast-growing town which prides itself in large scale sugarcane farming, livestock production, and is surrounded by conservancies such as the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, the Malilangwe Trust, the Humani, Senuko Ranches, parts of Save Valley Conservancy is a testament to the vacuum we are pleased will now be filled.
“The court, I am certain has long been awaited like the birth of a new born, with expectations from all and sundry. Due to the location of the court, it is the National Prosecution Authority’s hope and belief that prevalent crimes in this area such as those related to Parks and Wildlife, Stock theft, Fraud and assault will now be attended to locally and thus expeditiously,” she said.
The event was also attended by Minister of State of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira and Minister of State in the President’s Office Lovemore Matuke.
