Courts crippled as magistrates go on strike

By Henry Makiwa
2 November 2007

The country’s courts are in crisis following a nationwide strike by magistrates in protest at low pay and poor working conditions.

Regional magistrates at Harare, Mbare and Chitungwiza courts stopped work on Thursday and others followed suit across the country. The magistrates reportedly have sent a strongly worded letter to Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Attorney General Sobuza Gula-Ndebele and acting director of public prosecutions Florence Ziyambi, voicing their concerns.

It is understood that scores of magistrates have tendered resignations and only one is left at Harare’s main court. According to our correspondent Simon Muchemwa, prosecutors and support staff have also joined in demanding that the government look into their salary concerns.

Muchemwa reports: “The courts have seized functioning. Many cases are not being attended to and the government has recalled some retired prosecutors to act as magistrates.

“The magistrates say they have a genuine demand because of their status in society. They are surviving on a paltry salary and yet they have to deal with some serious legal cases at the courts. They are as such left prone to corrupt practices or exposed to dangerous elements. Many are said to have resigned and are looking for greener pastures beyond the borders.”

Observers have criticised the government for turning a blind eye to the magistrates’ crisis, whose ripple effects include an increased backlog of cases needing trial. Inmates in custody cells will be affected most as conditions in prison continue to deteriorate.

The state media on Friday however reported that government has made offers to provide all magistrates with cars and better pay.