Mutare High Court records 100 percent clearance rate

Trust Freddy 

Herald Correspondent 

The Mutare High Court has achieved a 100 percent clearance rate for both its Criminal and Civil Divisions, successfully disposing of over 2 900 cases.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Legal Year held at Mutare High Court, Constitutional Court Judge Ben Hlatshwayo commended the court for achieving a 100 percent clearance rate in 2024.

“In 2023, the Mutare High Court had managed to achieve a 100 percent clearance rate for both the Criminal and Civil Division, “ he said

“I am delighted to report that the division has done it again! It has continued to demonstrate exceptional performance by managing to maintain the 100 percent clearance rate for the Criminal, Civil Divisions and the newly established Family Division which I note was introduced in 2024.” 

He also commended the High Court for disposing nearly 3000 cases.

“During the year under review, the Mutare High Court Division had a workload of 2 919 cases. In the Civil Division, the Court had received 338 cases which is an increase from the 278 that was  recorded in the previous year. In the Family Division, the court received 212 cases. In the Criminal Division, the Court received 2 369 cases which is an increase from the 1666 which was received the previous year.”

Justice Hlatshwayo said Mutare High Court was outstanding among other High Court Divisions, having achieved a remarkable 100 percent clearance rate.

The Magistrates Courts Criminal Division for Manicaland Province also made significant progress in 2024, clearing over 90 percent of its cases, including new ones, despite starting the year with a backlog of 492 cases. 

“During the year, it received a total of 9 821 new cases, resulting in an overall workload of 10 313 cases. It managed to complete 10 000 cases. Therefore, it had a 97 percent clearance rate at the end of the review period.” 

Justice Hlatshwayo also revealed that the Civil Division for Manicaland Province had 99 percent clearance rate.

“It started the year with a backlog of 58 cases. During the year, it received 6 662 cases. Therefore, it had an overall workload of 6 720 cases. It managed to complete 6687, achieving a 99 percent clearance rate.”

The Regional Magistrate Court had an 88 percent clearance rate.

“The criminal division started the year with a backlog of 119 cases. It received 808 cases during the year. Therefore, it had an overall workload of 927 cases. It managed to complete 815 cases. It had an 88 percent clearance rate.”

Justice Hlatshwayo said the Regional Magistrate Court did not receive any civil cases over the course of the year.

He further commended the courts in Manicaland Province for the exceptional performance in terms of justice delivery. 

“I extend my sincerest congratulations to all judicial officers and court staff for their outstanding efforts and dedication to delivering exceptional service. Clearance rates of 100, 99 and 88 percent are very high indeed and commendable.”