Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa has today officially opened a new magistrate’s court in Epworth and emphasised on the need to curb the scourge of drug abuse in the country.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, the President said the Epworth Magistrate’s Court served as a reflection of his Government’s commitment to bring justice closer to the people.

“The completion of this court also serves as a reflection of our commitment to take justice closer to the people. This is in keeping with our development mantra which entails implementing development programmes and projects which leave no one and no place behind,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa added that a strong, efficient and well-functioning judicial system plays an important role in underpinning economic development and improvement to the quality of people's lives.

The President said that the opening of the court was a testimony of the Government’s commitment towards the decentralisation and devolution of essential services.

According to President Mnangagwa, the courts are important institutions in  the country as they play a critical role in fighting against drug abuse and other crimes.

“The surge in cases of drug and substance abuse in our country, which cuts across all generations, has negative effects upon the young people on whom our future depends. Undesirable trends such as increased criminal cases are worrisome and destroying the moral fabric of our communities. We must therefore at every level act proactively and decisively to eradicate crime and deviance in all its ugly forms. The courts have a very important and critical role to play in the fight against abuse of drugs, among other criminal vices,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President further  challenged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to scale up the facilitation and promotion of transparent, effective and efficient justice delivery in the country.

Meanwhile, the Government is set to establish similar courts in Cowdray Park and Emganwini in Bulawayo, Mkoba in Gweru, Mucheke in Masvingo and Sakubva in Mutare.