Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has commenced implementation of the fourth phase of its Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) within Magistrates’ Courts, with Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North serving as the pilot provinces.
The JSC has increased awareness campaigns ahead of the rollout of the IECMS in July.
JSC Research Officer Mr Panashe Gombiro said under the system, court processes will go paperless.
“We have termed this the fourth phase of the launch of the integrated. It is basically a system that tracks life cycle of a case from the time to when you file a case in court up to when it is deposed of that is its finalisation, it has a number of features, it allows electronic filling, be it a laptop, phone, it also allows virtual hearing of cases,” he said.
Bindura residents who interacted with awareness teams from the JSC, supported by the National Prosecuting Authority and the police, expressed hope the system will reduce delays at the courts.
“I have interacted with the teams and they answered my questions. I hope the system will flow smoothly and make our cases quicker. It is usually a burden to keep going to the courts only to be told to come back another day,” a participant said.
“I once followed my uncle’s case at the courts there were some delays so it is my belief from what they have said that the electronic system will improve efficiency,” a concerned citizen said.
The JSC is also conducting training sessions with key stakeholders in Bindura.
The first phase of IECMS was launched in May 2022 and covered the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and the Commercial Court Division of the High Court.
On February 1 2023, the second phase of IECMS was launched in the Labour Court and the Administrative Court.
The third phase completed the automation of the country’s superior courts. The third phase, launched on September 1, 2023, focused on connecting the magistrates’ courts.
