Staff Reporter

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has deployed five High Court judges to the Midlands Province to address a backlog of more than 300 outstanding murder cases, which have left many families and communities in limbo.

In an interview with this publication yesterday, JSC Spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu highlighted that the organisation’s decision comes as part of a concerted effort to accelerate justice delivery and alleviate the emotional burden on those affected by prolonged delays.

"As the JSC, working together with our stakeholders, we have deployed five judges to the Midlands Province, and the courts are sitting starting today until the 27th of this month. Three judges are in Gweru and two in Gokwe. We anticipate clearing 150 cases within three weeks,” said Nemukuyu.

Nemukuyu revealed that the judges assigned to Gweru were Justices Munamato Mutevedzi, Ngoni Nduna, and Naison Chivhayo.

Deputy Judge President Justice Garainesu Mawadze and Justice Esther Muremba will preside over the cases in Gokwe.

Law expert, Advocate Terrence Manyika, said the judges’ deployment underscores Government's commitment to ensuring timely justice and addressing the judicial needs of the Midlands Province.

“The JSC’s action is expected to bring much-needed relief to the affected families by speeding up the legal processes. This initiative aligns with the Second Republic's commitment to "leaving no one and no place behind" in its mission to bring justice closer to the people. It is part of a broader strategy by the Government to improve access to judicial services across the country,” said Manyika.

Meanwhile, construction of new courthouses is underway in several locations, including Mtoko, Bulawayo, and Epworth.