THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched the digitalisation programme for magistrates’ courts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of justice.
JSC announced the launch in a statement yesterday, saying the launch marked a significant
milestone in the on-going transformation of the judicial system in Zimbabwe.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the on-going transformation of the judicial system in Zimbabwe as we officially launch the digitalisation of all 16 magistrates’ courts in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces.
“This initiative is being implemented under Phase 4:2 of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of justice,” the commission said.
JSC said the transition to a digital framework was a pivotal step towards modernising our courts.
“The Integrated Electronic Case Management System will streamline case management processes, reduce delays and ensure court records are maintained in a secure and accessible manner,” the commission said.
“This system will not only improve the speed of judicial proceedings, but also provide vital data analytics that will aid in policy and decision-making.
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“It is paperless, meaning that printing and photocopying costs will become a thing of the past.
“Travel expenses will be significantly reduced, considering that some civil court sessions will be conducted virtually.”
The commission said the new system saved time and improved communication.
“On the EMS platform, court users will receive updates on the development of each case via email or text message,” JSC said.
It said lawyers should be cleared by the Law Society of Zimbabwe to register in the system so that bogus legal practitioners are excluded.
The commission said the public would benefit from e-payment of fees, e-filing of case documents, online case tracking, virtual court hearings and access to judgments.
JSC expressed optimism that the digitalisation of the magistrates’ courts will be smoothly implemented in the remaining provinces.
“On July 1, 2025, we successfully digitised the magistrates’ courts in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North under phase 4:1 of the IECMS.
“Today, the 10 court stations in Masvingo province and six stations in Matabeleland will go live.
“Following this implementation, we will move into Mashonaland East and Manicaland under phase 4:3 of the IECMS,” JSC said.
