The High Court officially opened its 2025 legal calendar on Monday, taking on a staggering 165 murder cases in Bulawayo and the Gweru circuit.
These cases include some of the most high-profile criminal trials in recent years, reflecting the judiciary’s effort to clear a growing backlog and restore public confidence in the justice system.
Among the cases set for trial this term is the alleged murder of Blessing Nare in 2021 by two Beitbridge-based police officers, Xander Siyasayi and Daniel Peyan. Nare, who had been detained after a theft complaint, was reportedly killed and dismembered, with his remains hidden under a bridge in Toporo Village.
Another headline case involves three men accused of armed robbery and the murder of Lobengula West businessman Langelihle Dube in June 2022. The suspects, Brian Moyo (alias Smally), Lucky Sibanda (alias Makhekhe), and Kelvin Njabulo Dube, allegedly attacked Dube at his home, leaving him fatally injured and stealing cellphones and $25.
The court will also hear the trial of three Zimbabwe National Army members accused of fatally shooting Zion Christian Church (ZCC) worshipper Jervas Masvina in 2019. Masvina was attending an all-night prayer session near the Limpopo River when the shooting occurred.
Additionally, the High Court will preside over the case of Ndabayezulu Ncube from Gwanda, who allegedly killed his wife, Nokuthula Khumalo, with a hoe in 2017 after a reported domestic dispute.
In the Midlands Province, five High Court judges will address 82 murder cases during the first 2025 circuit, which begins on January 20. The cases will be split between Gweru and Gokwe, with three judges handling 47 cases in Gweru and two managing 35 in Gokwe. The circuit is scheduled to run for two weeks, with logistical arrangements made for transport and witness accommodations in both locations.
Midlands provincial public prosecutor Mr. Samuel Pedzisayi confirmed the deployment, stating, “There are no high-profile cases, but the team of judges will ensure progress in addressing the backlog.” He noted that during the previous circuit, 137 cases were successfully resolved.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 legal year in Bulawayo, Chief Justice Luke Malaba expressed concern over the high number of unresolved murder cases, particularly in the Midlands. He revealed that the backlog had reached a critical point, prompting an extraordinary intervention by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
“Stakeholders brought to my attention the high number of murder cases in the Midlands Province, which were taking too long to be finalized by the High Court in Bulawayo,” said Chief Justice Malaba. “The public was beginning to lose confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice.”
The extraordinary circuit in 2024, which saw the deployment of five judges to the Midlands, successfully cleared 137 cases. Chief Justice Malaba commended all stakeholders, including prosecutors, legal practitioners, and police officers, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring justice was served.
“I have written letters of commendation to the Judge President and all judges who participated in the extraordinary circuit sitting. Their efforts exemplify the judiciary’s commitment to the rule of law,” he said.
The Chief Justice also extended his gratitude to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Law Society of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their critical roles in facilitating the judicial process.
As the High Court embarks on its 2025 legal year, the judiciary’s focus on addressing the backlog of murder cases underscores its dedication to upholding justice and maintaining public trust in the legal system.
With high-profile trials and a concerted effort to resolve outstanding cases, this term promises to be a pivotal moment for the administration of justice in Zimbabwe.
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