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Chidyausiku has announced 24 magistrates from the country’s 10 provinces who will preside over cases of politically-motivated violence and intimidation at special courts set up ahead of the July 31 harmonised elections. The special courts, set up in terms of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), would impose penalties for people convicted of an offence involving political violence or intimidation.
In a notice published in the Government Gazette last Friday, Justice Chidyausiku said the 24 magistrates would deal with election-related malpractices, which include violence, intimidation and stopping the electorate from casting their vote.

“It is hereby notified that the Judicial Service Commission, in terms of section 133J (3) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), has designated the magistrates to try cases involving politically-motivated violence and intimidation in each of the provinces specified,” read the notice.

In Harare, the cases would be tried by Ms Anita Tshuma, Mr Tendai Mahwe and Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini.
Bulawayo has Messrs Enias Magate and Crispen Mberewere.

Ms Lucie-Anne Mugwari, Mr Shingi Mutiro and Mr Vusumuzi Gapara will preside over cases in Manicaland.
In Mashonaland Central, there is  Mr Elisha Singano, Mr Nickson Mangoti and Ms Feresi Chakanyuka.

Mashonaland East has Mr Sikhumbuzo Nyathi, Mr Learnmore Mapiye and Mr Archie Wochiunga.
Mashonaland West would have Mr Ignatius Mugova, Mr Richard Ramaboea and Mr Robson Finsin.

In Masvingo, there will be Mr Thomas Ndokera and Mr Gibson Mandaza while in Matabeleland North there is R Dube.
In Matabeleland South, there is Vakai Chikwekwe and Ms Gloria Takundwa, while Midlands has Phathekile Msipa and Mr Shepherd Mjanja.

The amendments to the Electoral Act establishing the special courts were enacted into law in September last year and perpetrators of violence could face up to five years in prison.
Some of the penalties prohibit the offender from campaigning or taking any further part during the particular election period.

If prohibited, the offender may not during that election era attend or address any meetings of a political nature at which more than three people are present. The offender may also not encourage, urge or persuade any other person to cast his or her vote in the election for a particular political party or candidate.

However, the person is entitled to vote or to be voted for.
To deal with violence during the election period, political parties this year adopted a code of conduct that would see them being held accountable for violent conduct by their supporters. The code compels political parties to publicly campaign against violence. It also stipulates that leaders of political parties would be compelled to issue directives forbidding the intimidation of opponents.

The leader of a party that has subscribed to the code of conduct would instruct party officials, candidates, members and supporters that no weapon of any kind,  may be brought to any political rally, meeting, march or any other demonstration.