By Flata Kavinga
Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Secretary Dr Walter Chikwana says the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) is expected to significantly reduce the disappearance of court documents and files by digitising court records and strengthening case management.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the launch of Phase 4.4 of the IECMS at Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court, Dr Chikwana said the Judiciary had faced challenges over the years with missing court documents and files, affecting the smooth administration of justice.
“We have had complaints where court documents would disappear from court files and, in some instances, even court files would go missing. This has frustrated the progression and management of cases,” he said.
Dr Chikwana said the new electronic system would make it difficult for court records to be lost or tampered with because documents would be stored digitally and backed up.
“Once documents are filed into the system, they are kept on a digital platform with backup mechanisms. Even if someone attempts to delete them, they can be restored,” he said, adding that the system would help address what he described as a corruption challenge that had affected the courts.
