Zimbabwe launches specialised anti-drug courts

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Zimbabwe has officially launched a network of specialised courts dedicated to handling drug and substance abuse cases, a move aimed at fast-tracking prosecutions and ensuring offenders face the full force of the law.

The announcement was made by Dr Walter Chikwana, JSC Secretary, during a high-level training programme for senior legal officers in Harare. Dr Chikwana revealed that magistrates and prosecutors have been specifically assigned nationwide to manage the growing caseload of drug-related cases. "We have established Anti-Drug and Substance Courts in our courts around the country," he said. "We have identified two magistrates and two prosecutors who have been designated to deal with matters of this nature."

The initiative includes an intensive training programme at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, involving 44 senior magistrates and prosecutors. The curriculum covers legislative frameworks, sentencing guidelines, ethical handling of vulnerable individuals, and management of complex forensic evidence. Presentations by High Court judges and senior law officers are aimed at equipping participants to handle cases efficiently and avoid investigative pitfalls.

Dr Chikwana said the specialised courts are intended to create a cadre of legal experts capable of managing the complexities of drug-related litigation. The initiative is part of a coordinated national strategy to send a clear message of zero tolerance, standardize sentencing, improve conviction rates, dismantle networks fueling addiction, and provide a strong deterrent through swift and effective justice.