Story by Gay Matambo
EIGHT magistrates’ courts in Manicaland Province have gone digital following the rollout of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), with Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza describing the move as a major milestone in modernising Zimbabwe’s justice delivery system.
The electronic platform was launched in Mutare on Monday as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) advances the fourth phase of the nationwide digitisation programme, which began in 2022 with the superior courts.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza said the transition from a paper-based system to a fully digital platform will improve efficiency, accessibility and transparency in the administration of justice.
“We have moved away from the paper-based system where people would carry documents to court. The system is more efficient because it does all that one needs in the form of a handset, tablet or computer,” she said.
“It’s really bringing justice up to date with what is happening around the world. This is not the first place we have launched the system. It has already been implemented in the Administrative Court, Labour Court, High Court, Supreme Court and Constitutional Court.”
The IECMS allows litigants and legal practitioners to file, track and manage cases electronically, reducing paperwork and shortening turnaround times in both civil and criminal matters.
Members of the public welcomed the development, saying it will ease the financial burden associated with travelling to courts to follow up on cases.
“This system will greatly assist us, as we often face challenges raising money for transport to travel to court and follow up on our cases. It appears to be a very efficient and worthwhile initiative,” one beneficiary said.
JSC Secretary Mr Walter Chikwana said the web-based platform is designed to improve access to justice while ensuring that no citizen is excluded because of limited access to technology.
“This is a web-based system where people can file their cases online. Since the system requires internet access and ICT gadgets, the JSC has established internet hubs equipped with computers and connectivity that can be accessed free of charge,” he said.
“The hubs will assist those who do not have access to data, digital devices or who require technical assistance. We have gone digital and are working to ensure that everyone has access to the system.”
Mr Chikwana said the JSC opted for a phased rollout in magistrates’ courts because of the high volume of cases they handle compared to the superior courts.
“The Magistrates’ Court is the court most frequently used by the majority of Zimbabweans. As a result, we have taken a deliberate decision not to introduce the system across all Magistrates’ Courts at once. Given the volume of work handled, we need to make adequate preparations before rolling it out to each province,” he said.
The rollout is expected to strengthen case management, improve record security and accelerate the processing of court matters as Zimbabwe continues to modernise its justice system through technology-driven solutions.
