Western Province Minister has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system through improved infrastructure, increased staffing levels, and enhanced collaboration among key justice sector institutions.
Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the Criminal High Court Session in Mongu, Kapelwa Mbangweta, said the Government holds the Judiciary in high esteem and recognizes its critical role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.
Mr. Mbangweta applauded judges, magistrates, and other judicial officers for their dedication.
He noted that despite limited resources, infrastructural constraints, and heavy caseloads, the courts in the Province had managed to dispose of a significant number of cases in the previous year.
“The performance of our courts is commendable. It reflects diligence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and justice,” he noted.
Mr. Mbangweta disclosed that Government is currently renovating the Mongu High Court, while the Subordinate Court has already been refurbished.
“More court infrastructure will be constructed and rehabilitated across the Province using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), particularly in underserved areas,” Mr. Mbangweta added.
He further emphasized the need to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as a way of reducing case backlogs and ensuring timely justice delivery.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. We must therefore support innovative approaches that make justice more accessible, humane, and efficient,” he emphasized.
At the same event, Judge-in-Charge for Western Province, Justice John Harrison Mbuzi, stated that the Judiciary remains committed to dispensing justice impartially, fairly, and without undue influence.
Justice Mbuzi noted that criminal sessions provide an important platform for clearing backlogs and ensuring that cases which have taken long are concluded.
“These sessions allow the court to focus on criminal matters, reduce congestion in our dockets, and reaffirm our commitment to timely and fair adjudication,” he said.
He called for continued support from Government and cooperating partners, especially in the areas of infrastructure, staffing, and capacity building, to enable the Judiciary to operate more efficiently.
