In a move to modernize Zimbabwe’s judicial processes, the High Court Sheriff’s Office is set to launch electronic auctions (e-auctions) for assets seized by the courts. This initiative is a component of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), aiming to improve efficiency and transparency in asset disposal, traditionally managed by private auctioneers.
As part of this digital transition, new facilities, including a Sheriff’s office and warehouse, are under development at the Harare Magistrates’ Court. These enhancements will enable the Judiciary to oversee the auctioning process directly. The forthcoming e-auction platform will allow the public to bid on seized assets securely online, minimizing opportunities for corruption and malpractice.
Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Secretary, Mr. Walter Chikwanha, highlighted that the e-auctions are integral to the broader IECMS reforms, which focus on digitizing and streamlining judicial operations. Under this system, assets such as vehicles, properties, and other seized items will be auctioned electronically, moving away from reliance on third-party auctioneers.
“At the Harare Magistrates’ Court, the Sheriff of the High Court is part of the IECMS,” Mr. Chikwanha stated. “This system includes e-auctions, where goods attached by the Sheriff, previously sold by auctioneers, will now be sold through online auctions managed by the Sheriff. We are establishing warehouses and offices for the Sheriff to conduct these e-auctions as part of the IECMS implementation.”
The e-auction system is expected to introduce greater transparency in the sale of attached goods, addressing irregularities associated with manual auctioning processes. The Sheriff’s direct involvement in auctions is a strategic decision by the JSC to ensure all processes within the Sheriff’s office are integrated into the IECMS, including the auctioning of goods.
Concurrently, the JSC is progressing with the fourth phase of the IECMS rollout at magistrates’ courts. Given the higher volume of cases these courts handle compared to superior courts, a phased, province-by-province implementation is planned. Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North are the initial provinces targeted for IECMS deployment.
Training sessions for magistrates, court clerks, interpreters, and support staff are underway to ensure a smooth transition to the digital system. The JSC is also installing essential technology and upgrading internet systems in courts to support the IECMS.
Additionally, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has initiated training for prosecutors, recognizing their crucial role in the IECMS’s success, particularly in the magistrates’ courts. This phase of training is expected to conclude within a month.
The introduction of e-auctions represents a significant step toward a more transparent and efficient judicial system in Zimbabwe, aligning with global trends in digital transformation.
