Zimbabwe: the ICJ supports the Judicial Services Commission to train magistrates in the Anti-corruption Court

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Zimbabwe with the support of the ICJ convened a two-day workshop from 16 to 17 November 2018 in Harare to train magistrates designated to the anti-corruption court. 56 Magistrates (39 males 17 females) attended the Workshop.

Speaking during the workshop the Honourable Chief Justice, Luke Malaba encouraged the magistrates to work diligently to “flash out” corrupt elements from society.

He lamented that the current court practice seems to merely launder accused persons through constant remands which eventually lead to failed cases resulting in impunity for corruption in the country.

He pointed out that corruption is a threat to the rule of law urging the judiciary to be conscientious in dealing with corruption cases.

The workshop is part of a broader justice sector intervention by the JSC with the support of the ICJ, through generous funding provided by the European Union (EU) targeting combating corruption in the legal system.

The two-day training meeting looked at equipping 56 magistrates with the skills and knowledge to adjudicate cases of white-collar crime.

The training covered international best practices in the setting up of such courts, substantive law on corruption and practical court administration issues.

Besides the quality of the investigations, the effectiveness of the anti-corruption courts will also depend on the integrity and competency of the officers appointed to preside over them.

This workshop is one of a number of initiatives that the JSC are effecting with the support of the ICJ and the EU to contribute to a reduction in the levels of corruption and strengthen the ability of the justice system to resolve corruption and resource diversion cases in Zimbabwe.

Contact

Brian Penduka on brian.penduka(a)icj.org or +263772274307