Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The newly inaugurated Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court includes a specialised section for vulnerable witnesses, such as children and adults, who may prefer to avoid direct eye contact with accused persons or feel uneasy in the court’s formal setting.
This court was inaugurated on Tuesday.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute explained that creating private and secure waiting areas for vulnerable witnesses demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of vulnerable individuals in society.
“Moreover, the installation of one-way mirror glass in the vulnerable witness testifying room is a notable innovation. It allows witnesses to testify without direct visual contact with the accused, providing an additional layer of protection that encourages full and truthful testimony while minimising the emotional toll on those most at risk,” said Shivute.
He added that redesigning the court is not merely a matter of structural improvements; it reflects the broader values underpinning the judiciary system.
Like all public institutions, Shivute said the building belongs to the people it serves, as it stands as a symbol of the judiciary’s collective duty to uphold justice and fairness in society.
“As such, I encourage all judicial officers, court staff, and members of the public to take pride in this new facility. Today, we see the dawn of a new chapter in which this court stands as a beacon of justice, fully functional and ready to serve the community,” said Shivute.
The inauguration of the court, according to the minister of justice, Yvonne Dausab, shows that justice extends beyond urban centres to every part of the nation.
With only one district court and two periodicals gazetted at Ngoma and Impalila Island, the new facility, according to Dausab, strengthens the ability to deliver timely and impartial justice to the people of the Zambezi region.
‘’As we move forward, it is crucial to underscore that the confidence of the people in an independent, impartial and competent judiciary requires that the judiciary be supported to dispense justice in an effective, timely and dignified manner and a court facility is an important part of this aspect,” she said.
Dausab added that the government is striving to speed up the delivery of justice.
