By Flata Kavinga
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) says the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) will be introduced in Kwekwe District on October 1, 2026, as part of the Judiciary’s nationwide digitalisation programme aimed at improving access to justice and court efficiency.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the launch of Phase 4.4 of the IECMS at Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court, JSC Secretary Dr Walter Chikwana said the Midlands and Mashonaland West provinces are the next regions to implement the electronic court management system.
Dr Chikwana said the IECMS, first launched in 2022 in the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court and the Commercial Division of the High Court, has since been rolled out to all superior courts and several magistrates’ courts across the country.
He said the Kwekwe visit was intended to engage stakeholders ahead of the system’s implementation and to explain how it will operate.
“The reason why I came here today is to interact with members of the public, stakeholders and key justice sector players to advise them about the impending introduction of IECMS here in Kwekwe District,” he said.
Dr Chikwana said the digital platform allows court users to file summonses, applications, appeals and other legal documents electronically without having to visit the court.
He added that the system also supports virtual court proceedings, enabling litigants, witnesses and accused persons to participate in hearings through video links where appropriate.
According to Dr Chikwana, the IECMS has improved court operations in areas where it has already been introduced by reducing case backlogs and enhancing transparency and accountability.
He said the system also enables court supervisors to monitor the progress of cases and the performance of judicial officers remotely, helping strengthen oversight within the Judiciary.
Dr Chikwana said the success of the programme depends on cooperation among justice sector institutions, including traditional leaders, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the National Prosecuting Authority and legal practitioners.
He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of stakeholders at the Kwekwe engagement meeting, which was attended by traditional leaders, local authority officials, lawyers and members of the public, saying their participation reflected strong interest in the new system.
The IECMS rollout forms part of the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to modernise court processes through the use of digital technology and improve the delivery of justice.
