MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO CITY-Customary courts across Zimbabwe are facing operational challenges due to a critical shortage of stationery, a situation that continues to delay their full integration into the country’s digital judicial system.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2026 Legal Year at the High Court in Masvingo on January 12, the President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and deputy president of the Chiefs Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira, said the stationery shortages cripple compiling and submitting of data from the customary courts for onward submissions.
“It is difficult for us to send actual numbers of customary courts proceedings because of a lack of stationery. We are supposed to fill Loco forms in each judgment we pass,” said Chief Charumbira.
The Midweek Watch established that that the 10 LC forms in shortage include summons, warrants of arrest, subpoena, record of proceedings, judgment forms, warrant of execution, notice of appeal, application for review, record of appeal, and receipt book/fines register.
These forms help ensure that cases handled in the customary courts are conducted lawfully, records are properly kept, and there is transparency in the handling of matters.
“From the 10 LC forms, we have a report form where we record the number of cases handled each month. However, due to a shortage of forms, we used to photocopy them, but nowadays it’s impossible for every customary court to do so. If we are provided with stationery, the figures will definitely reach the Chief Justice in time,” said Chief Charumbira.
The Chief emphasized the vital role that Customary Courts play in Zimbabwe’s justice system, describing them as accessible, affordable, and culturally rooted.
“Our courts are easily accessible. People attending these courts have the opportunity to speak their minds. There’s no backlog as matters are dealt with swiftly,” he said.
Chief Charumbira also touched on how customary courts handle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases.
“In GBV matters, our courts often rule in favour of the victim, the affected parties are separated immediately after the verdict to ensure safety.”
He further noted that unlike formal courts, Customary Courts do not rely on precedent or legal research, instead, they operate based on cultural values and oral justice.
“Customary courts follow the verdicts of our culture. We do not research previous rulings,” he said.
Chief Charumbira said traditional courts are keen to embrace digital transformation through the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) introduced last year across all Zimbabwean courts.
Chiefs now await the provision of media equipment that would allow digital recording of court proceedings, with the hope of capturing and publishing sessions online for transparency and record-keeping.
The move to digitize is part of a broader effort to modernize the judiciary and bring Customary Courts in line with national systems while preserving their unique cultural and community-based approach to justice.
“We are ready to go digital,” said Chief Charumbira. “What’s left is for us to be given the right gadgets.”
