Courts in Masvingo, Mat South Join E-Justice Revolution
By Loyd Matare
Zimbabwe’s judiciary has taken another leap into the digital era with the full rollout of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) across 16 magistrates’ courts in Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces.
In a statement, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) said the initiative, launched under Phase 4:2 of the IECMS programme, is designed to “enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of justice.”
“The transition to a digital framework is a pivotal step towards modernising our courts. This system will streamline case management, reduce delays, and ensure that records are secure and accessible.
“More importantly, it reduces corruption, saves time, and improves communication across the justice delivery chain,” the JSC said in a statement.
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Under the digital platform, court users will benefit from e-filing of case documents, e-payments of court fees, online case tracking, virtual hearings, and digital access to judgments.
In addition to safeguarding integrity, lawyers will first be cleared by the Law Society of Zimbabwe to register, a move the JSC said will “shut the door on bogus legal practitioners.”
The commission added that the paperless system will also slash costs associated with printing, photocopying, and travel, as some civil hearings will now be conducted virtually.
This follows the successful digitisation of magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North on 1 July under Phase 4:1 with further plans to move the programme to Mashonaland East and Manicaland in Phase 4:3.
The JSC acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ), Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Ministry of Justice, and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
“Together, we are building a more efficient, transparent, and accessible justice system for all Zimbabweans,” the JSC said.
