The Midlands Special High Court Circuit has made significant strides in addressing a backlog of cases, many of which are linked to violent conflicts in the artisanal mining sector. In its first week ending January 24, 2025, the court resolved 60 cases, up from 50 cases during the same period last year, as part of a broader effort to combat crime and corruption.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) revealed that the outcomes included 24 murder convictions, 24 culpable homicide convictions, and 12 acquittals. Many of these cases involved violent altercations among artisanal miners, often fueled by disputes over mining claims and resources. The use of lethal weapons such as knives and machetes has been a recurring issue in these conflicts.
This judicial push is part of a larger initiative to address the high levels of violence in Zimbabwe’s mining communities. The Chief Justice authorized the establishment of special circuit courts, with the first phase launched in September 2024.
That phase saw nearly 140 cases resolved, achieving an impressive 90% clearance rate.Artisanal mining, a critical but often chaotic sector in Zimbabwe, has long been plagued by violence and illegal activities.
