HARARE - Corruption has been one of the major impediments of access to justice in Zimbabwe, deputy minister of Justice Obert Gutu has said.

Officiating at the opening of a new magistrate court in Murewa on Wednesday, Gutu said graft had affected the quality of services throughout the entire justice delivery system.

“I would like to implore all stakeholders in the justice delivery system let this be a building where true justice is meted out,” he said.

“Let the official opening of this court house usher into the entire justice delivery system a corrupt free environment and may Murewa stand out like a beacon and the embodiment of true justice.”

By opening the new court, the JSC was bringing justice closer to the people, the deputy minister said.

“It is the desire of the Judicial Service Commission to decentralise higher and specialised courts to all provinces in order to bring justice to the people. The Royal Danish government is playing a major role in bringing this dream to fruition,” he said.

The court’s construction was funded by the Danish Embassy.

“The JSC runs 52 permanent courts throughout the country, with more than half of these courts operating from rented premises. It is indeed a great privilege for the people of Murewa to have a dedicated court house owned and run by the JSC,” Gutu said.

According to the JSC, some court cases are still being heard under disgraceful situations as some share a store divided by a curtain and some magistrates courts are run at a rented lodge.

The new court, which has two court rooms and seven offices, is part of three new courts nearing completion in Guruve, Mutoko and Tsholotsho. The commission is yet to start the construction of two more courts in Esigodini and Norton, and expect to roll out 10 more courts around the country.

Ambassador Ib Petersen–Danish Foreign ministry secretary said constructing the new court building was a reflection of good cooperation between Danida and the JSC “but it is more than that.”

“Justice is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society — the new constitution of Zimbabwe clearly underlines that,” Petersen said. “And neglected infrastructure does hamper access to justice.

“But justice is off course not only dependent on a building like. In fact, the building is a bit like a cooking pot. Without it, it is difficult to make proper food. But what really matters is what you add to the pot and how it is cooked. So in this case what goes on inside the building is even more important than the building itself,”he said.

Meanwhile, Denmark has said it will increase aid to Zimbabwe in a bid to help the country in its economic recovery.

Petersen said his country is eager to reengage the country.

“Our countries have relations dating as far as the struggle by this country for independence, after the referendum which was successful we see no reason to isolate this country,” Petersen said.

The State secretary’s visit is for high-level political consultations with ministers from all parties in Zimbabwe covering a wide range of issues.

“This visit is also an opportunity to launch the first case of direct support from a traditional donor to the Government.

Petersen said Denmark is planning to launch a new development programme in mid-2013 with a substantial increase in budget. He did not disclose the exact amount.

Denmark is undertaking various interventions to also strengthen the commercial ties between the two countries. - Bridget Mananavire