30 Jul 2018

Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane says his organisation aspires to achieve prosperity for all as well as achieve world-class judiciary.

Mr Rannowane uttered these at the Judges two-day retreat at Manong Lodge.

He said achieving world-class status as a judiciary could only be realised by undertaking the journey as a team; saying it requires collaboration, commitment and integrity.

He further stated that the key driver for the attainment of a transformed and reformed judiciary is the workforce, which is the oxygen of any organisation.

As an organisation, Mr Rannowane indicated that they aspire to boost their regional and global presence and rankings.

For this to be achievable, the Chief Justice said employees welfare issues had to be addressed as they had a bearing on performance and excellent service.

He implored supervisors to discharge their duties fairly and without prejudice, fear or favour and evoke the necessary sanctions where appropriate.

On other issues, Justice Rannowane said as part of the organisational Blue Print, he intended to continue with the initiatives already introduced and implement the envisaged programmes to further modernise the Judiciary and take it to greater heights.

Alternative Dispute Resolution, which is also termed Court Annexed Mediation, Chief Justice Rannowane indicated its introduction would further expedite case disposal and reduce the associated costs.

He said a comprehensive draft amendment of the rules to factor in the envisage court annexed mediation had been produced and that the draft would be availed soon to the judges and other stakeholders for their input.

Furthermore, the Chief Justice said there was also need to catapult the organisation’s automated system to the next level of e-filing.

He said such would assist in that they would have a reliable and credible data in respect of caseload, case disposal and other related information.

In addition, he indicated that a decision had been made to roll out the small claims court to Kanye, Maun and Palapye for greater access to justice at less cost for the ordinary person.

The Chief Justice also indicated that the public and other stakeholders had charged the Judiciary on the decorum and conduct of some officers and the performance of the courts, particularly on matters of bail, handling stock theft cases as well as backlog.

He indicated that there was a perception that the police did their work of investigation and arresting offenders and the courts frustrate their work by releasing offenders on bail with unpleasant consequences that the culprits commit while on bail.

He also said the public also had a perception that stock theft cases were delayed to the extent that exhibits particularly livestock ended up dying or being stolen while in the custody of police, thus denying victims justice.

He therefore stated that such issues needed to be addressed and appropriate responsive and remedial measures put in place as a matter of urgency.

The other issue, which requires scrutiny, Justice Rannowane said, was the case backlog; both criminal and civil cases pending before the courts.

He said there was a concern that they were accumulating backlog and that had given rise to calls for the creation of a commercial court and reintroduction of circuit courts.

He therefore said it was binding for them to introspect and interrogate their individual and corporate working methods in backlog accumulation, including the feasibility of engaging temporary judges.

Justice Rannowane also briefed the Judges on matters of welfare including transport, maintenance of judges’ houses, judges’ uniform and training. ENDS