The Zimbabwean Government is moving forward with plans to establish Municipal Courts as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the powers of local authorities and improve enforcement of by-laws. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, aims to give municipal police greater authority, including the power to arrest offenders, while creating a judicial framework that can directly handle local infractions.
The proposal is expected to be tabled before Cabinet for consideration in the coming weeks. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe revealed the development during a recent meeting with Bulawayo City councillors and management, where the issue of law enforcement and public order dominated discussions.
Minister Garwe was addressing a question raised by Ward 5 Councillor Dumisani Nkomo, who asked whether the government was considering a municipal-level judicial structure to tackle persistent problems such as open defecation, public urination, and other acts of nuisance that undermine the city’s image.
In response, Garwe confirmed that the creation of Municipal Courts formed part of a comprehensive policy proposal already under preparation.
“Let’s create a structure to make sure that there are Municipal Courts. That’s a brilliant idea,” Garwe said. “The paper that we are going to present in Cabinet is not only going to talk about the capacitation of Municipal Police. It is also speaking to the establishment of Municipal Courts.”At present, Zimbabwe does not have Municipal Courts, and local councils largely depend on the mainstream judicial system to enforce by-laws. This has often led to enforcement gaps, as magistrates’ courts are already stretched with criminal and civil cases.
In many developed countries, Municipal Courts are a critical component of local governance. They handle violations such as traffic offences, littering, noise disturbances, and other community-level issues. By giving councils direct judicial authority, such courts ease the burden on national courts while ensuring that community standards are upheld swiftly and effectively.
Legal experts argue that adopting a similar model in Zimbabwe could streamline justice delivery, particularly in urban areas where lawlessness related to littering, vending in undesignated areas, and disregard for sanitation rules is common.
Zimbabwe to Establish Municipal Courts in Major Governance Reform
Bulawayo, in particular, has struggled with issues of poor waste management, illegal dumping, and street-level disorder. Analysts say Municipal Courts could empower the city council to impose fines and sanctions more efficiently, reducing impunity and encouraging civic discipline.
“Right now, most by-law violations are either ignored or take months to resolve in the courts,” said Harare-based governance analyst Dr. Percy Moyo. “If Municipal Courts are introduced, city authorities will finally have teeth to deal with offenders in a way that is fast, fair, and localised.”
For residents, the reform could mean cleaner, safer, and more orderly urban environments, as enforcement becomes more consistent. However, critics caution that any new judicial structure must operate transparently and in line with constitutional guarantees to prevent abuse of power.
The move is also seen as part of broader efforts to enhance local governance and service delivery in Zimbabwe. Over the years, many councils have struggled to enforce their own regulations, with limited capacity and legal authority cited as major obstacles.
By combining stronger municipal policing with a dedicated judicial arm, the government hopes to create a more robust framework for managing urban spaces. Minister Garwe emphasized that the reform is not simply about punitive measures but about instilling respect for community rules and promoting orderly development.
“This is about empowering councils to govern effectively,” Garwe noted. “When residents know that there are clear consequences for violating by-laws, compliance improves, and service delivery also benefits.”
The Cabinet is expected to review the proposal once it is formally submitted. If approved, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works will begin drafting the necessary legislation to operationalize Municipal Courts across the country.
While the exact timeline remains uncertain, officials have hinted that initial rollouts could start in major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo before extending to smaller municipalities.
Observers believe the introduction of Municipal Courts, if well-implemented, could mark a turning point for Zimbabwe’s urban management. By combining enforcement, accountability, and judicial efficiency, the reform has the potential to address long-standing challenges that have eroded the quality of life in cities.
As the proposal moves closer to Cabinet consideration, stakeholders across the legal, governance, and community sectors are watching closely. For many, the initiative represents not just a new judicial structure but a chance to restore order and strengthen the relationship between local councils and the communities they serve.
Source- Bulawayo24
