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THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has extended its drive towards paperless court operations to magistrates’ courts in Matabeleland region, with the launch of Phase Four of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in Nkayi District and at Inyathi Magistrates’ Court in Bubi District yesterday.
Today the JSC will lead the digitisation launch in Tsholotsho District followed by Bulawayo province tomorrow. The new system is expected to improve the administration of justice by reducing delays, minimising the risk of missing court records and allowing court users to access selected services electronically.
Speaking at the launch in Inyathi, JSC secretary Dr Walter Chikwana said the digital platform is part of efforts to improve efficiency and ensure that cases are handled without unnecessary delays.
“The idea was really to improve the quality of justice coming from the courts, ensure that we are efficient and dispense justice as quickly as possible without delays,” he said.
Dr Chikwana said digitising court records would help address challenges associated with missing documents and improve the management of information throughout the judicial process.
IECMS is a web-based platform designed to track cases from filing through to finalisation and appeal. Its functions include electronic filing, virtual hearings and online case-status checks, bringing institutions involved in justice delivery onto a shared digital platform.
Phase Four extends the system to magistrates’ courts, following earlier phases covering the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, High Court, Commercial Court Division, Labour Court, Administrative Court and the Sheriff’s Office.
The rollout began in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central, marking a further step in the JSC’s efforts to modernise court administration through technology.
The system is intended to strengthen coordination among justice delivery institutions, improve transparency and accountability, and reduce the time and transport costs associated with accessing court services. It is also expected to reduce reliance on paper records and make selected services accessible beyond normal office hours.
Among the intended users are judicial officers, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, the Law Society of Zimbabwe, the Attorney-General’s Office, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the Legal Aid Directorate, court messengers, community service personnel and members of the public.
Users require a computer, laptop or smartphone, an internet connection and a valid email address to register and access the platform. Those already registered do not need to create new accounts.
Dr Chikwana said members of the public could use their mobile phones to access the system, while e-filing offices would provide assistance to those without suitable devices or internet connectivity.
“Any person can use their phone and log into the IECMS platform. When I advocated for the opening of e-filing offices, it was for those of our colleagues who may not have gadgets or internet,” he said.
“They can then get assistance at our nearest internet facilities.”
The provision of assisted access is important in extending digital services to communities where internet connectivity, data costs and access to suitable devices may otherwise limit their use.
On cybersecurity, Dr Chikwana said the platform had safeguards intended to protect court records against unauthorised access and tampering.
“Since 2022, when we started, we have never been attacked by hackers or cyber thieves because we have very good security features that protect the system,” he said.
The launch also featured performances by drum majorettes from Inyathi High School. Form Two pupils Inathi Ncube and Praise Ndlovu, from Somvubu High School, recited poems reflecting the JSC’s vision of a Zimbabwe in which world-class justice prevails.
Source: Mat’land magistrates’ courts go digital as JSC rolls out e-justice system – herald
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