IECMS Software

Prior to the implementation of this system, case tracking in Zimbabwe was predominantly manual and paper-based, which required litigants to travel to courts in person to file documents, attend hearings, and pay fees.

The primary objective of the IECMS is to integrate Zimbabwe's various courts under a single IT umbrella, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and transparency within the justice system.

Key Features and Capabilities

The IECMS transforms how citizens and legal professionals interact with the courts by offering several digital services:

• Electronic Filing: Users can file court documents, such as summons and applications, online without needing to physically visit a courthouse.
• Virtual Hearings: The platform supports online hearings, allowing legal proceedings to continue digitally.
• Digital Payments: Court fees can be paid directly through the IECMS platform.
• Case Tracking: Users can track the lifecycle of a case from its initial filing through to disposition and appeal.
• Status Updates: By visiting the official website (www.zimiecms.org.zw), users can type in their case number to check the status and progression of their legal matters from home or the office.

Implementation and Scope

Developed by Synergy International Systems, Inc. using their eCase platform, the IECMS was designed to replace legacy systems and address challenges like document loss and case backlogs. The system is being rolled out in strategic phases:

• Phases 1, 2, and 3: These initial phases successfully automated the country's superior courts, including the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Commercial Court, Labour Court, Administrative Court, the General Division of the High Court, and the Office of the Sheriff.
• Phase 4: This phase focuses on connecting the magistrates' courts across the country. The progressive rollout began with Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North (Phase 4.1), followed by Masvingo and Matabeleland South (Phase 4.2), and expanded to Manicaland and Mashonaland East (Phase 4.3).

Access and Requirements

To utilize the IECMS, users must meet a few basic requirements:

• Registration: To file a court case you must register an account using your email address.
• Digital Tools: Accessing the web-based system requires a digital device such as a cellphone, laptop, tablet, or iPad, as well as an active email address and internet connectivity.
• E-Filing Support: Acknowledging that not all citizens have access to the necessary digital devices or electricity, the JSC establishes E-Filing Offices at specific court locations. These offices are equipped with internet, devices, and staff to assist members of the public, police, and legal practitioners with registering and filing papers free of charge.