Staff Reporter

Chief Justice Luke Malaba has called on the judiciary to expedite the resolution of outstanding court cases, emphasising the need for greater efficiency and teamwork within the sector.

Addressing officers of the judiciary in Mutare last Friday, Chief Justice Luke Malaba highlighted the core responsibility of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and its critical role in upholding justice in Zimbabwe.

"We must all appreciate the significance of being part of the Judicial Service Commission. It is bound by the Constitution to provide efficient services to the public. Our duty is to ensure the justice system operates cohesively. There is a need for shared commitment among all judicial officers to fulfil this mandate," he stated.

He also expressed concern over the backlog of pending cases, urging magistrates and judges to focus on resolving them without unnecessary delays.

"The job of the judiciary is not to postpone cases but to dispose of them and resolve disputes. Magistrates and judges must prioritise case resolution. Justice delayed is justice denied, and our system cannot function properly if cases are continually postponed," Chief Justice Malaba emphasised.

The Chief Justice acknowledged that while welfare issues affecting judicial officers are being addressed by the secretariat, the judiciary's primary focus should remain on upholding its responsibility to the people of Zimbabwe by ensuring timely case disposal.

JSC secretary Walter Chikwanha pointed out the importance of collaborative leadership in improving justice delivery.

"I am confident this engagement will improve the operations across all judicial stations in Manicaland. Close collaboration across departments within the judiciary is key to clearing the backlog of cases," said Chikwanha.

Senior Judge of the Mutare High Court, Justice Isaac Muzenda, echoed the same sentiments, adding that unity among judicial officers ensures smoother operations and enhances the judiciary's ability to serve the public more effectively.

"We are pleased to see the judiciary working together as one cohesive unit, and we are optimistic that this collaboration will result in better service delivery and quicker resolution of cases.

“These interactions are intended to foster unity and ensure that all judicial officers are aligned in their commitment to enhancing justice delivery across the country,” explained Muzenda.

Manicaland Province is the fourth region to hold such an engagement with the Chief Justice, as part of a broader initiative to implement a consensus leadership style within Zimbabwe's judicial sector.

As the judiciary moves forward under the leadership of Chief Justice Malaba, there is hope that the emphasis on teamwork, efficiency, and prompt case resolution will lead to significant improvements in the justice system.

This renewed focus on eliminating backlogs and ensuring timely resolutions aims to restore public confidence in the judiciary and ensure that justice is served without delay.