Owing to the ongoing judiciary strike, the Zimbabwean Republic Police (ZRP) is being forced to settle some legal matters at the various police stations around the country through the creation of some temporary or makeshift courts.

Zimbabwe Republic Police

Complainants and suspects with the aide of the police are indulging in negotiations 'kutaurirana' so as to settle cases and issues without going to the courts.

Sources indicate due to the shortage of staff at the courts, more cases are piling and there is a serious backlog already. Before the strike, a backlog of nearly 500 000 cases was reported. 

Magistrates, prosecutors, clerks, interpreters, typists, recorders and other judiciary staff went on strike at the end of October last year demanding salary increments and improved working conditions.

"It is not clear when the situation will return to normal but as of now, the police is handling most of the cases," added the source.

In a situation witnessed by this reporter, in a certain criminal case, the complainant and suspect (who was released from police cells some days ago) were both asked to show up at a police station in Harare on the 4th of January 2008 where they would 'negotiate' without taking the matter further to the courts.

As they showed up, the room inside the station was cleared of other members of the public. Two police officers (male and female) showed up with the complainant and suspect.

Without wasting any time, the police went on to suggest that the suspect compensate the complainant's stolen items before the latter withdraws the case.

"We urge you (complainant) to accept the property or money from the suspect. Our investigations reveal he might not be the culprit and you might lose this case in court."

"Meanwhile, you can go and we will call you (complainant) to the station when the suspect is ready to pay for the lost property and we will then properly settle the issue using 'papers'," she added. 

Due to the judicial strike, only one court is understood to be functioning in the city of Bulawayo.

In another case, a man charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a woman and child was brought before a panel of police officers at the same police station, with the complainant also present.

Although the man denied the allegations, the police indicated this was a very serious matter and the man would not be set free.

"Dread, iyi yakora muto (My friend, the case has turned sour). We are urgently arranging to take you to the courts today because we were ordered not to treat issues pertaining children with lenience," said a male police officer.

"Haitomboite kutaurirana pakadai iwe wakapisa mwana nemukadzi zvakadai (We cannot negotiate especially considering the burns suffered by the child and the woman)." he added.

The judicial staff is reported to be earning less than Z$20 million a month and demanding a 900 percent increment.

People affected by the strike entail thousands of detainees in remand prisons, police cells and at home apart from those intending to get married and others seeking to settle court related issues.

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