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The Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) has launched virtual courts to help clear a backlog cases caused by the failure to bring prisoners to court due to the COVID-19 outbreak, fuel shortages and other challenges.
While addressing the delegates at the launch, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said the virtual courts could try matters while the litigants are at home.
“Carrying out virtual hearings has many advantages both to the courts and the litigating public. Matters are finalised expeditiously and there is the added advantage of participating in the court proceedings in the comfort of your home or office,” Malaba said.
He said the first institution to benefit from the virtual court hearing platform was the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services as thousands of inmates were housed in prisons throughout the country.
“These inmates are expected to appear before the courts regularly for routine remands and trials. The pandemic has at times caused inmates not to appear before the courts as required because of the restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19.” Newsday
