Zim closes 7 courts after magistrates, prosecutors test Covid-19 positive

Harare (New Ziana)- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has closed seven courts across the country after some magistrates, prosecutors and staff tested positive for Covid-19.

In a notice, JSC Secretary Walter Chikwanha confirmed the closure of Chinhoyi, Karoi, Kariba, Bindura, Mt Darwin, Mutare Magistrates Courts and the High Court in Mutare.

“The Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission advises that we have had Covid-19 positive cases at the following courts: Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court, Karoi Magistrates’ Court; Kariba Magistrates’ Court; Bindura Magistrates’ Court, Mt. Darwin Magistrates’ Court; Mutare Magistrates’ Court and Mutare High Court.

“We are closing these seven courthouses for purposes of fumigation, testing of staff and contact tracing of all the people who may have come into contact with the cases.

“We are currently in the process of consulting with the Ministry of Health and Child Care on the way forward,” said Chikwanha.

Chikwanha said litigants and lawyers who wish to file any papers at the affected courts should contact the Registrar, Resident Magistrate, Additional Sheriff or Assistant Master on duty.

“Their numbers will be displayed at the respective courthouses. The public will be advised when the concerned courts will be re-opening,” he said.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe recorded 766 new Covid-19 cases and 1 death, raising fears that the country could be experiencing the third wave of the pandemic.

Cumulatively, the country has recorded 43 480 cases and 1692 deaths since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

New Ziana