Midlands Court Clears 60 Cases in January Push.
The Midlands High Court Circuit resolved 60 criminal cases in its first week of 2025, up from 50 cases in the same period last year.
The special court aims to clear more than 500 pending cases from 2019. Twenty-four people faced murder convictions with prison terms from 18 years to life. Another 24 saw their charges reduced to culpable homicide.
Twelve defendants walked free due to lack of evidence or mental health issues. One case ended after state witnesses died.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba created these special courts after Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo found the case backlog in early 2024. The first round of hearings in September 2024 cleared 140 cases, hitting a 90 percent success rate.
The National Prosecuting Authority reports many cases involve fights between small-scale miners using knives and machetes. This court serves to speed up justice in these violent disputes.
"The circuit has made real progress in clearing old cases," the NPA statement read. The court continues its work to reduce delays in Zimbabwe's legal system.
The Midlands High Court Circuit resolved 60 criminal cases in its first week of 2025, up from 50 cases in the same period last year.
The special court aims to clear more than 500 pending cases from 2019. Twenty-four people faced murder convictions with prison terms from 18 years to life. Another 24 saw their charges reduced to culpable homicide.
Twelve defendants walked free due to lack of evidence or mental health issues. One case ended after state witnesses died.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba created these special courts after Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo found the case backlog in early 2024. The first round of hearings in September 2024 cleared 140 cases, hitting a 90 percent success rate.
The National Prosecuting Authority reports many cases involve fights between small-scale miners using knives and machetes. This court serves to speed up justice in these violent disputes.
"The circuit has made real progress in clearing old cases," the NPA statement read. The court continues its work to reduce delays in Zimbabwe's legal system.
