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Shun corruption: Chief magistrate

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CHIEF magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe has warned court officials to shun corruption and indiscipline, adding his office will not hesitate to crack the whip against elements compromising the judicial system.

CHIEF magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe has warned court officials to shun corruption and indiscipline, adding his office will not hesitate to crack the whip against elements compromising the judicial system.

REPORT BY OBEY MANAYITI STAFF REPORTER

Officially opening the 2012 Magistrates’ Association Zimbabwe annual general meeting in Mutare on Friday, Guvamombe said errant court officials would face the wrath of the law.

“In the past year alone, several magistrates were charged with acts of misconduct. Some have already been dismissed from the Judicial Services Commission,” Guvamombe said.

“As they say, one rotten egg has the potential to spoil the whole basket. We will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against errant behaviour. That corruption is a cancer amidst us has become a song that some of you have decided to ignore. You are, however, reminded that we will never throw up our hands in exasperation and hope for divine intervention.

“We will make sure that everyone caught in these Nicodemous deals is dealt with firmly.”

Guvamombe said since September last year, they have managed to reduce the national crime backlog from over 45 000 to slightly over 10 000 this year.

He said several initiatives have been lined up to ensure speedy delivery of justice.

He, however, expressed concern over the failure by some magistrates to abide by provisions of Section 57 of the Magistrates’ Court Act which compels them to send records for scrutiny and review.

He said his office had since preferred charges against some magistrates who failed to observe the scrutiny or review requirements.