News / National
Zimbabwe marriages suspended as magistrates go on strike
05 Apr 2011 at 05:04hrs | Views
COUPLES wishing to tie the knot and those seeking to divorce were yesterday united in common misery, though for different reasons, after magistrates countrywide embarked on a strike to press for better salaries.
With the judicial officers demanding minimum salaries of between US$1 000 and US$3 300 depending on seniority, such everyday legal transactions as marriages and divorces were shelved as courts were not open for business.
Also not spared were those facing criminal charges whose trials and remand hearings did not proceed.
Magistrates earn between US$206 and US$300 monthly and are demanding a minimum salary of US$600 for trainees.
At the Harare Magistrates' Courts along Rotten Row, several couples waited in vain for their unions to be legally recognised.
Anxious brides in wedding dresses, complete with retinues of bridesmaids and flower girls, were tearful while their grooms-to-be put on stoic faces when confronted by this setback after months of planning.
With the judicial officers demanding minimum salaries of between US$1 000 and US$3 300 depending on seniority, such everyday legal transactions as marriages and divorces were shelved as courts were not open for business.
Also not spared were those facing criminal charges whose trials and remand hearings did not proceed.
Magistrates earn between US$206 and US$300 monthly and are demanding a minimum salary of US$600 for trainees.
At the Harare Magistrates' Courts along Rotten Row, several couples waited in vain for their unions to be legally recognised.
Anxious brides in wedding dresses, complete with retinues of bridesmaids and flower girls, were tearful while their grooms-to-be put on stoic faces when confronted by this setback after months of planning.
Source - Byo24News
