By Sharon Tawuya
Beatrice, (New Ziana) – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Monday launched the digitalisation of Beatrice Magistrates Court as part of Phase 4.5 of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), which will digitalise Harare and Bulawayo courts by the end of the year.
Beatrice resident magistrate, Nyaradzo Manokore said the station was fully prepared for the transition.
“We are happy that IECMS is coming to Beatrice. And as members of staff, we are zealous. We’ve also been trained and everyone is up and running,” said Manokore.
Top JSC official, Walter Chikwanha said IECMS will improve efficiency and curb corruption.
“With IECMS, corruption will be a thing of the past. Every case can be followed electronically and any form of delay or malpractice will be easily noticed,” he said.
“Firstly, it is about efficiency. We have realised, and we have noticed with empirical evidence, that cases – the disposal of cases, the efficiency of our courts – is heightened. It improves,” he said.
He said Beatrice residents and others from the surrounding Chikomba area will also be able to access the High Court, Civil Court, Labour Court as well as the Constitutional Court remotely following the degitalisation of the Beatrice Magistrates Court.
But accused persons in criminal matters cannot use the platform remotely and should physically present themselves to the courts, while those without smart gadgets will be assisted at the courts.
“Those without smart gadgets can be assisted at the courts where officers are equipped to assist them to register and file their documentations and in future, police stations will also be equipped to assist citizens to access the e-judiciary system,” Chikwanha said.
New Ziana
