Zimpapers Logo

has forced prison officers to use unorthodox means to guard prisoners. The Supreme Court Judge, who was touring the Marondera Magistrates’ Courts yesterday said lack of resources had been detrimental to the justice delivery system.

“Since my appointment as the acting secretary of the JSC upon its establishment in June 2010, I embarked on a countrywide tour of courts as there is need to familiarise myself with staff and their grievances.
“I discovered that most courts are in a state of dilapidation and are run down. This has been attributed to lack of adequate resource allocation. The buildings need urgent rehabilitation while new structures have to be put up at some courts.”

She said the countrywide tour had taken her as far as Bulawayo and she is now left with five provinces.
Justice Makarau said she had also discovered that the Goromonzi Magistrates’ Court does not have holding cells for prisoners, with officers guarding suspects under trees.
“Some courts don’t have police posts and there is need to redress the situation. In Mutoko we found there are inadequate courtrooms and offices with magistrates having to share.

“The situation in Mutawatawa is a bit better but there is need for more accommodation. Here in Marondera tribute should be paid to the staff here who are striving to maintain the existing structure.”
Justice Makarau said besides inadequate resources, the judiciary had also expanded leading to a strain on existing structures.

“We’re very grateful that court staff has remained in service despite the challenges that we face as the JSC. The limiting factor is that we also have allocation of resources from the Treasury, hence staff can not expect miracles from us especially concerning the issue of remuneration,” she said.

Justice Makarau called for a healthy relationship between the judiciary and the media.
“We rely on the media in highlighting some of the deterrent sentences passed by the courts for the public to be aware not to commit crimes.

“In line with cultivating our relationship with the media, we’ll be setting up a public relations office at our headquarters as the JSC as well as at most courts in future,” Justice Makarau said.
She said this would help prevent distortions in stories while challenging journalists to report on corrupt activities at the courts. Justice was accompanied by Acting Chief Magistrate Ms Hlekani Mwayera and the provincial magistrate in the Chief Magistrate’s office Mr Walter Chikwanha.