Christopher Makaza.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba yesterday toured the state of the art Chinhoyi magistrates Court currently under construction to assess progress.

The Chief Justice highlighted that he was pleased with the work saying if complete, the building has the potential to accommodate Zimbabwe’s upper courts.

Speaking during his tour the Chief Justice noted that there is need for corporation between Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the general public to combat corruption in courts.

The Chief Justice revealed that JSC would soon equip its officers with skills and values that would discourage them from engaging in corruption.

Construction of the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court, which started almost two decades ago is now 60% complete and has, over the years, stalled due to a number of challenges including financial constraints.

According to the contractors engaged by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, the single-storey court building with eight courtrooms, 53 offices, two libraries and 16 cells, is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Chief Justice Malaba was accompanied by Judicial Services Commission secretary Mr Walter Chikwanha, Provincial Magistrate Mr Tayengwa Chibanda and several senior Government officials.