Country Case Studies Benefits of traditional justice practices The traditional justice cycle provides a quick snapshot of how simple, though complex, the process might be. The traditional justice cycle (Source: Justice Law and Order Sector, Sub-committee Report, 2008) It is noticeable that these practices carry along with them numerous advantages that merit contemporary application: • They are accessible to local and rural people. • Proceedings are carried out in the local language. • Accessible walking distances. • Simple procedures that do not require the service of other languages. • None of the delays that are associated with the formal system and its bureaucracies. • Help educate all members of the community as to the rules to be followed. • Employ non-custodial sentences, hence effectively reducing prison over­ crowding. Prison budgets could be diverted towards social development purposes. • Permit offenders to continue contributing to the economy and to pay reparations to victims. 62 International Conference on Transitional Justice, Zimbabwe