By a Correspondent
The Government has banned the filming and live-streaming of proceedings at traditional chiefs’ courts, prohibiting content creators, visitors and litigants from using cellphones and cameras during hearings.
The directive is aimed at protecting the privacy and dignity of people seeking dispute resolution through traditional justice systems, amid growing concerns over the publication of village disputes on social media.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, said filming court proceedings was undermining the role of traditional courts by exposing villagers to public scrutiny and discouraging others from seeking justice.
“We should not allow cellphones at the chiefs’ courts. The moment you start filming the courts, those with problems stop coming because they don’t want to be exposed on social media. Let’s respect the chiefs’ court and preserve our tradition,” Muguti said.
He also questioned the growing practice of recording customary court proceedings and publishing them online for entertainment and popularity.
“Why are we trying to be celebrities and publishing private things on social media?” he asked.
The ban comes amid the growing use of digital platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, to broadcast traditional court cases involving marital disputes, family disagreements and land conflicts.
Some of the recordings have turned sensitive community disputes into public spectacles, raising concerns about privacy, consent, defamation and the potential humiliation of people appearing before traditional leaders.
Muguti said the fear of being filmed and exposed online was discouraging villagers from bringing their grievances before chiefs, potentially undermining the accessibility of customary justice.
Traditional courts play an important role in resolving community disputes and promoting social harmony, particularly in areas where people rely on customary mechanisms to settle disagreements.
The Government’s directive seeks to ensure that proceedings are conducted with respect for the privacy of those involved, rather than being turned into online entertainment.
