In an attempt to bring the wheels of justice closer to the people, Zimbabwe is constructing the Gwanda court complex. The court complex is located in Gwanda, the provincial capital of southern Matabeleland province.
According to Chief Justice Luke Malaba, it is expected to house the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will be located in the same complex as the Magistrates’ Court and Sheriff’s Office at the same time as the Magistrates’ Court. This was said by CJ Malaba, during the launch of Lupane Magistrates’ Court in Matabeleland North Province.
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Gwanda court complex, a part of Judicial Service Commission plan to have Supreme Court in every province
CJ Malaba claimed that the development of the Gwanda high court building is part of the Judicial Service Commission to have a supremen court in every province.Â
The Gwanda Court Complex will thus make the locals of Matabeleland South proud once it is completed. The Judicial Service Commission may return to Matabeleland North with a High Court. This will happen soon after the Midlands High Court is buit.
The Gwanda High Court complex is being built in keeping with the constitutional principle of decentralization of critical services. Additionally it is beiing with the development of state-provided infrastructure.
Chief Justice Malaba said that the JSC has established a policy that ensures that courts are spread evenly in all provinces. He explained that factors like dates, distance, and decentralization validates the decision to establish such a courthouse.
The aim was to ensure that everyone can easily access justice wherever they reside. Moreover, Malaba stated that a community is denied protection for a fundamental human right if there is no access court within a reasonable distance.