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ABSTRACT
This article, using documentary evidence and interviews, discusses the benefits of deploying traditional forms of justice as one of the strategies to address the persistent challenge of political violence in Zimbabwe, especially before, during and after election periods. It argues that it is important to recognise the roles traditional leaders play, particularly in creating cultural social spaces, encouraging social harmony and promoting tolerance in communities. Experiences from states emerging from conflict have shown that justice is usually elusive for the victims. Victims are at most left to feel sorry for themselves. It is therefore important to harness the benefits of traditional justice systems in transforming relationships and bringing social change. While traditional justice predominantly favours lower-level offenders, this can prove invaluable in the short to long-term efforts aimed at building peace in affected communities.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. Interview with Kudzie (pseudonym), 39 years, August 8, 2016, Masvingo.
2. The two cannot be separated though.
3. Interview with Machinda (pseudonym), 48 years, August 4, 2016, Masvingo.
4. Interview with Simbi (pseudonym), 34 years, March 30, 2020, Masvingo.
5. Interview with Chafen (pseudonym), 68 years, August 7, 2016, Zaka District.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Darlington Mutanda
Darlington Mutanda is a Research Associate in the Department of Politics and IR at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is also a temporary full-time lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe in Department of Peace, Security and Society. Research interests include strategic studies and peacebuilding in its various facets.