MARTIN MAWAYA
Zvishavane-In a move that is meant to bring justice closer to the people, the Judicial Service Commission has opened a new regional court in the sprawling mining town of Zvishavane.
This brings to three the number of regional courts in the Midlands province, namely Gweru, Gokwe and Zvishavane, with seven magistrate court stations in 8 districts.
Regional courts deal with third schedule offenses such as rape, attempted murder, theft of motor vehicle, armed robbery and contravention of the Electricity Act among others.
Speaking in an interview with The Midweek Watch, prominent Zvishavane based lawyer, Leopold Mudisi said the regional magistrate court will help to expedite the administration of justice and the new court in the mining town provides a significant milestone to the justice system and all stakeholders.
“It is an important achievement in terms of realization of our goals in terms of justice delivery system. The cases are manageable and the matters are quickly dispensed off because justice delayed is justice denied,” said Mudisi.
Human rights lawyer, Abiata Mugari said the rolling out of new magistrates court in the country brings the courts closer to the people.
“We really applaud the Judicial Service Commission for the opening of Zvishavane Regional Magistrates Court as this will go a long way in improving access to justice to the people,” she said.
“This is in line with our Zimbabwean Constitution Amendment NO.20, of 2013, particularly Section 69, which connotes that all accused persons have a right to fair, speedy public hearing and must be tried within reasonable period,” added Mugari.
She emphasized that the Zvishavane court will help to clear Gweru Regional Magistrates court backlog and enhance prompt set down of cases.
