- terror gangs have potential to create anarchy if not quickly neutralized says JSC
ZIMBABWE’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has set up special courts to specifically try cases involving machete gangs.
The special courts have been set up in all affected areas across the country, Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza said during the official opening of the 2020 legal year in Bulawayo.
This comes as the country is gripped by a spate of violence perpetrated by the machete gangs widely referred to as MaShurugwi.
“Overally, the Criminal Division recorded a surge in the number of cases received. This is attributed to the high number of public violence cases received in January and August 2019,” Gwaunza said.
Gwaunza said the judiciary acknowledges the work being undertaken by law enforcement agencies in bringing perpetrators of that wave of violence to book.
“The Courts stand ready to decisively deal with those accused of these offences in accordance with the law. Special courts to specifically try the cases have been set up in all affected areas across the country,” Gwaunza said.
“We call upon all stakeholders in the administration of justice to make concerted efforts to end this problem. Institutions mandated to protect citizens cannot sit back and watch a few rogue elements terrorise the entire nation for their selfish benefits. We hear stories of callous murders of ordinary Zimbabweans and law enforcement agents,” Gwaunza added.
Citizen’s rights of freedom of movement, freedom to conduct their affairs without fear and freedom of association are being violated with impunity by the gangsters, she continued.
“The organised terror gangs have the potential to create anarchy if they are not quickly neutralised. Courts must demonstrate to the public that they are possessed of real capacity to enforce the law and punish crime,” Gwaunza said.
