In response to a alarming rise in m_rder cases in the Midlands Province, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has set up High Court circuits in Gokwe and Gweru to clear a backlog of approximately 150 cases within three weeks.
This move aims to address the province’s staggering 500 pending m_rder cases. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has confirmed the establishment of special courts to expedite the cases.
According to media Zimpapers, circuit courts will be held in Gweru and Gokwe, with a team of experienced judges and prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority.
The Gweru court, presided over by Justice Munamato Mutevedzi and colleagues, will tackle 90 cases, while the Gokwe court, led by Deputy Judge President Justice Garainesu Mawadze, will handle 60 cases.
The surge in m_rder cases has been attributed to illegal gold mining disputes, prompting police to issue warnings against carrying dangerous weapons and urging the public to resolve disputes peacefully.
The JSC plans to establish a permanent High Court station in the Midlands Province to address the rising number of murder cases and other High Court matters.
