High Court too ancient, needs to be extended as Judges share courtrooms

THE High Court of Zimbabwe building in Bulawayo is a too small ancient structure that has made judges work in an uncomfortable environment, a senior judge has said.

The judge also said that because of the smallness of the building, judges have to make do with sharing a courtroom which has resulted in the back log of cases.

Addressing lawyers and guests at the High Court of Zimbabwe held in Bulawayo during the opening of the 2012 legal year, Justice George Chiweshe said judges have to share a courtroom that is sitting only after the other has adjourned.

He said: "…Further the structure of the High Court building does not allow much room for expansion. This building is ancient and can only produce three court rooms.

"In short, at most we can only have three courts simultaneously. On some days, the Judges have to share a courtroom i.e one sitting only after the other has adjourned," he said adding that the High Court has insufficient recording facilities.

Justice Chiweshe said because of the shortage of courtrooms, bail applications are being held in the judges chambers and stated that they High Court has since consulted the ministry of construction with the view of creating a fourth courtroom ion the building.