Beatrice Hove
GWERU – The five judges seconded to the Midlands High Court circuit over the past three weeks completed a staggering 144 cases.
The circuit, which ran from January 20 to February 7, with three judges in Gweru and two in Gokwe saw the majority of those appearing before the court being convicted for murder, while some were convicted for culpable homicide.
Speaking during a media briefing, Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer Commanding Crime in Midlands Assistant Commissioner Helena Mahonde applauded the workmanship exhibited by the Judicial Service Commission, police, and the public as all cases set for were attended to.
Asst. Comm. Mahonde said three people were sentenced to 35 years in prison, one was sentenced to 40 years, while three were given life sentences.
“We are happy as police with the sentences that were passed as they are a deterrent to would-be offenders.
“The level of cooperation was very good, as we do not have any case that failed to kick off because of the non-availability of witnesses. All came and testified,” she said.
Asst. Comm. Mahonde said murder cases were rampant in mining areas like Shurugwi, Mberengwa, Zhombe, Kwekwe, Silobela and Gokwe.
“The majority of murder cases emanate from mining disputes as most accused persons are artisanal miners. People fight over petty issues like refusing to buy beer, girlfriends, and revenge for long-standing grudges,” she said.
The Officer Commanding Crime in Midlands said the police are trying their best to resolve issues through awareness campaigns and increased police patrols in such areas.
She warned would-be offenders that the long arm of the law will catch up with them as police will not fold their hands while crime is being perpetrated.
The establishment of the special circuit court was a direct response to a backlog exceeding 500 cases dating back to 2019, as identified by Prosecutor General Loyce Matanda-Moyo during her visit to the Midlands Province last year.
This initiative received formal authorisation from Chief Justice Luke Malaba, with the first phase launched in September 2024 achieving noteworthy success nearly 140 cases were completed, resulting in an impressive clearance rate of 90 percent.
