The courts in Zimbabwe want the law changed. They say local judges need more power to punish criminals. Right now, these judges can only give out 12-year jail terms. They want to give longer sentences when crimes are very bad.
The problem came up in a case about two men who robbed a school. Israel Mufure and Charles Murinda scared teachers with a gun and stole from them. The local judge gave them 20 years in jail - 10 years for the robberies and 10 more for breaking in.
But two higher court judges, Justice Muremba and Deputy Judge Mawadze, said this wasn't enough. The law says robbers who use weapons should get 20 years, but local judges can't give more than 12 years.
Justice Muremba asked the local judge about this. The judge said she couldn't give more time because of the law. But she didn't explain why she chose 10 years instead of 12. The higher court wasn't happy with this answer.
The higher court said local judges need to understand the rules better. They shouldn't think 12 years is normal just because it's the most they can give. These judges handle many robbery cases, and they need the power to give proper punishments.
The current system has problems. When crimes require longer sentences, cases must go to higher courts, which takes too long and slows the system. People might lose faith in the courts if criminals don't get the right punishment.
The higher court wants parliament to change the law quickly. They say local judges should be able to give longer sentences. This would improve the courts' work and help ensure everyone is treated fairly.
The problem came up in a case about two men who robbed a school. Israel Mufure and Charles Murinda scared teachers with a gun and stole from them. The local judge gave them 20 years in jail - 10 years for the robberies and 10 more for breaking in.
But two higher court judges, Justice Muremba and Deputy Judge Mawadze, said this wasn't enough. The law says robbers who use weapons should get 20 years, but local judges can't give more than 12 years.
Justice Muremba asked the local judge about this. The judge said she couldn't give more time because of the law. But she didn't explain why she chose 10 years instead of 12. The higher court wasn't happy with this answer.
The higher court said local judges need to understand the rules better. They shouldn't think 12 years is normal just because it's the most they can give. These judges handle many robbery cases, and they need the power to give proper punishments.
The current system has problems. When crimes require longer sentences, cases must go to higher courts, which takes too long and slows the system. People might lose faith in the courts if criminals don't get the right punishment.
The higher court wants parliament to change the law quickly. They say local judges should be able to give longer sentences. This would improve the courts' work and help ensure everyone is treated fairly.
