Call for permanent High Court in Gweru

Gweru (The Times-New Ziana)-There is need to establish a permanent High Court in Gweru to deal with the high number of cases in the Midlands province, a top judicial officer said on Monday.

High Court Judge Justice Martin Makonese (pictured inspecting parade) said this during the official opening of the Gweru High Court Circuit.

“The number of cases handled at this circuit clearly indicates that the administration of justice requires that a permanent station be established in order to deliver speedy and efficient justice to all in the vast province,” he said.

Justice Makonese said courts should be easily accessed and people should not travel long distances to access justice.

“There can be no justification for someone in Gokwe, Shurugwi or Mberengwa to have to travel long distances to access the High Court in Harare, Bulawayo or Masvingo,” he said.

The Gweru circuit is expected to deal with 16 cases which have already set down during the 2020 Legal Year.

Last year the Gweru High Court circuit dealt with 34 out of 46 cases.

Justice Makonese said the Judicial Services Commission would take a tough stance in dealing with postponements of trials by legal practitioners who came unprepared for trials.

“I urge legal practitioners to assist in the smooth administration of justice by ensuring that they carry out adequate research before coming to court.

“It is unethical and unprofessional for a legal practitioner to appear in court without taking adequate instructions from their clients. This practice is not fair to the litigants and to the courts,” he said.

He said the disposal rate of cases at both the Gweru and Hwange High Court circuits under Bulawayo was fairly satisfactory.

Justice Makonese urged the police and National Prosecuting Authority to do everything possible to ensure that cases were speedily investigated and referred for trial.

“Despite the myriad of challenges faced by the judiciary, it shall always be our desire to ensure that cases are resolved with minimal delays,” he said.
New Ziana