Zimbabwe’s judiciary expands Digital Case Management to Magistrates’ Courts

Nqobile Tshili [email protected]
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will roll out the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) to magistrates’ courts across Zimbabwe, starting this month with pilot projects in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central.
Previously operational only in the High Court, the system is being introduced province by province to modernise and streamline justice delivery.
Speaking during the launch, Chief Justice Luke Malaba highlighted the transformative potential of the system.
“The IECMS represents a significant step forward in ensuring efficiency and transparency in the handling of cases at all levels of the judiciary,” he said.
The move aligns with broader efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s justice system. Regional interest in the country’s ICT integration has already been noted, with Namibia sending delegations to learn from Zimbabwe’s innovations in justice delivery.
In addition to the IECMS expansion, the JSC is focusing on customary law courts, recognising their importance in resolving community disputes. Chief Justice Malaba emphasised that traditional chiefs, who preside over these courts, must be guided by the Constitution. “Customary courts must uphold the rights of litigants and treat them with dignity. Insults or mistreatment have no place in these settings,” he said.
To support this, the JSC plans to train traditional chiefs in managing customary law courts effectively, ensuring their rulings align with constitutional principles. This initiative aims to preserve the crucial role of chiefs in conflict resolution while safeguarding the rights of community members.
Chief Justice Malaba also extended congratulations to Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba on his appointment to lead the Zimbabwe Republic Police, commending the role of law enforcement in supporting justice delivery.
As the IECMS is expanded and traditional courts are strengthened, Zimbabwe’s judiciary continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring justice is accessible, efficient, and respectful of all citizens’ rights..
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