Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has begun training staff at magistrates’ courts across the country to prepare for the implementation of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in the lower courts this year.
As part of the preparations, the JSC is also upgrading internet and network infrastructure at the courts and equipping them with essential hardware, such as laptops and desktop computers, to ensure a seamless transition to a digitised court system.
The IECMS, aimed at enhancing efficiency, aligns with global trends and supports the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 by promoting a modern, digital justice system.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, JSC spokesperson Mr Daniel Nemukuyu said the system will be rolled out incrementally across all provinces.
“The system is now ready for use at the magistrates’ court,” he said.
“Training of court staff is underway, and we continue training them until the system is implemented. Upgrades have been made to our internet and network infrastructure to allow for stable internet connection.
“We have started equipping the courts with the necessary tools of trade, like all-in-one desktop computers and laptops, but we will continue procuring additional tools until all of them have been catered for.”
The IECMS is a web-based platform designed to manage court cases electronically, from filing to resolution. It eliminates the need for paper records in both lower and upper courts, streamlining operations regardless of location. The platform allows lawyers and litigants to submit documents electronically, serve them to other parties and track case progress in real-time.
It also facilitates electronic payment of court fees and fines. Additionally, it enables virtual hearings, where judges, lawyers and witnesses can participate remotely via videoconferencing. “We will start implementing the IECMS in the magistrates’ court this year, but it will be rolled out province by province considering that we have at least 60 stations countrywide,” said Mr Nemukuyu.
“Once we are done with the preparations, we will announce the implementation date.”
The system, he said, was designed to improve efficiency at all courts.
“Stakeholders will continue enjoying the benefits that are being enjoyed at the superior courts. “These include increased operational efficiency and increased accountability.
“The system saves time and there is improved communication.
“On the IECMS platform, court users always receive updates on the development of each case through emails or text messages.”
He added that the system will also reduce corruption. The system is transparent and it reduces corruption,” he added.
“The system is paperless and the printing and photocopying costs will be history.
“For a lawyer to register, he or she must be cleared by the Law Society of Zimbabwe, hence bogus lawyers will be shut out.”
The system’s rollout has been phased.
The first phase was launched in May 2022, covering the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the Commercial Court Division of the High Court.
Subsequent phases expanded the system to the Labour Court, the Administrative Court, the General Division of the High Court, the Sheriff’s Office and various High Court divisions.
