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I AGREE with the story “Supreme Court judgments take too long” (Zimbabwe Independent, December 2) that justice delayed is literally justice denied. I have no doubt the Supreme Court bench is of the same opinion.
Something therefore must be grossly wrong. Could it be inadequate budget allocation, or simply an inadequate establishment to handle the work load? Could it be appellants abusing the justice-delivery system by exploiting some technical loophole in the appeals procedure? We definitely need to find out. The Zimbabwe Independent should bring this issue to the attention of the following:
the Judiciary Services Commission;
the Chief Justice;
the Justice minister and,
Parliament
The Independent should ask all four institutions and authorities for their comment, as well as their suggestions on the way forward.
If the issue is one of inadequate funds or the size of the bench, then the budget currently in the House should be amended to improve justice delivery as a matter of urgency. The fact that the Finance minister is a lawyer should simplify matters. It does not cost much to appoint three to four more Supreme Court judges. If the delays are due to lack of diligence on the part of the bench the Judiciary Services Commission, and if need be parliament, should take action.
It can be legislated that a judgment, in any court of law, should not be reserved for more than three months. The South African Supreme Court of Appeal, whose high profile cases I have followed, such as the Jack Selebi one, seems to do much better. Ours can do the same.
Painona,
Harare.
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