Training of prosecutors intensifies

THE Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Aff airs has stepped up the training of prosecutors in the Midlands Province ahead of the opening of a permanent High Court in Gweru.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Provincial Prosecutors Appeals and Reviews workshop in Gweru on Wednesday, Midlands Provincial Public Prosecutor Mr Samuel Pedzisayi said continuous skills refi ning was critical in the judiciary sector, as prosecutors were supposed to handle judicial matters in the lower and upper courts.

“We are training the district public prosecutors drawn from across the province to increase their knowledge of handling appeals and reviews.

“We are anticipating the opening of a permanent High Court soon, as we are next in line aft er the Mutare one which was opened this week,” he said.

Mr Pedzisayi said the opening of a permanent High Court would result in staff movements, hence the preparatory workshop for prosecutors.

“Chances are high that a prosecutor serving in Gokwe or Mberengwa may be seconded to the High Court. Th is workshop empowers the prosecutors to experience a smooth transition from a smaller court to a higher court.

“Traditionally, prosecutors were referring all appealable matters to be determined at the provincial court.

“We are now moving towards a situation where every prosecutor, no matter his/ her station, can determine an appealable case,” he said.

Mr Pedzisayi also took a swipe at some sections of the media that reported that the prosecutors were starved at the workshop.

He said there was consensus amongs participants that they would not be provided with dinner, but would get an allowance, which they would use to buy food of their choice outside the hotel.

“We are equally surprised by such malicious and unfounded allegations as we are not starving here.

“We have reporters bent on painting the Government in bad light. Everyone here agreed that we substitute dinner with monetary allowances,” he said.

The Gweru High Court will be the fi ft h after Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Mutare.