Exploring Zimbabwe’s Traditional Transitional Justice Mechanisms

Abstract

Before the institutionalisation of Rwanda’s gacaca courts, transitional justice was predominantly viewed as a western concept which was more legal and punitive. This paper positions traditional transitional justice mechanisms currently at work in Zimbabwe as viable concomitants in the field of justice, healing and reconciliation. Through a case study of Gokwe District in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe the study discusses the various grassroots mechanisms used in Zimbabwe to achieve restorative and dignified healing and reconciliation to both the victim and the offender. The paper concluded that for transitional justice to achieve healing, closure, and reconciliation; it requires bottom-up and victim centred mechanisms; familiar to both the victim and the offender.