A surge in murder cases in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province has prompted the Chief Justice, Luke Malaba, to establish High Court circuits in Gokwe and Gweru. These temporary courts will hear approximately 150 cases over three weeks.
The Midlands Province faces a backlog of 500 murder cases, which has necessitated this action. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Secretary, Walter Chikwana, identified the increase during a visit to local stations.
JSC spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu confirmed the establishment of special courts to address the issue. “Considering the lack of a permanent High Court station in the Midlands, Chief Justice Malaba decided to form a team of judges to preside over the cases in the province,” he explained.
Gweru will handle 90 cases, while Gokwe will address 60. Senior Judge Munamato Mutevedzi from the Bulawayo High Court will lead the Gweru circuit, assisted by Justices Ngoni Nduna and Naison Chivhayo.
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Deputy Judge President Garainesu Mawadze and the head of the High Court’s Criminal Division, Justice Esther Muremba, will preside over the Gokwe circuit. A team of experienced prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority will also be involved.
The JSC aims to establish a permanent High Court station in the Midlands to address the rising murder cases and other High Court matters.
Local police attribute the surge in murders to conflicts arising from illegal gold mining activities. Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the Midlands provincial police spokesperson, noted that most murders occur in gold mining towns like Shurugwi, Kwekwe, Mberengwa, Gokwe, Mvuma, Zvishavane, and Gweru. The police have repeatedly issued prohibitions against carrying dangerous weapons in the province.
Inspector Mahoko urged the public to refrain from violence when resolving disputes. He emphasized the seriousness of the murder situation in the Midlands and called on all citizens to play a role in preventing violent crime.
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