Resolved Cases Centre Resolved cases Bulawayo Legal Representation 2,692 72 Gweru 758 Harare 2,018 Masvingo THROUGH Drafting of Documents Legal Advice ADR 1,239 1,075 62 315 360 21 81 1,595 300 42 1,203 71 747 359 26 Mutare 2,032 65 1,241 602 124 Total 8,703 351 5,137 2,696 519 Although the LRF assists all of those in need, women and children remain the most vulnerable and form the majority of beneficiaries, with 61% of clients seeking legal services being female. The high cost of fees associated with court cases has remained a deterring factor in taking cases to court and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) was used in 6% of cases. Method of Resolving Cases 306 Juveniles The LRF handles primarily civil matters but it does provide assistance to juveniles facing criminal charges, and this year helped 282, the majority (243) being males. These minors usually do not have anyone to turn to and the LRF ensures that they have legal representation as well as the psychosocial support needed if they are to be rehabilitated so that they do not become repeat offenders. Some of the success stories: A minor child, aged 15, was accused of raping a neighbour’s 8-year-old daughter. During the presentation of the state case some inconsistencies emerged. Evidence led by the state witnesses was fabricated and the complainant had been manipulated. The child was acquitted and discharged at the close of the State case. Evaluations established that 88% of the clients felt their cases were handled promptly, with 80% rating the service received as very relevant. The main benefits rated were: The advice was accurate, prompt and relevant. Clients were enlightened about rights which they did not know of. The free assistance helped them to assert their rights. Comment: If the accused had not been represented the inconsistencies may not have emerged through cross-examination and the accused might have been wrongfully convicted. The grandmother of the accused was most grateful for the free services offered. The LRF successfully applied for a discharge before plea when a juvenile aged 11 years was facing a rape charge against a 4-year-old. The Attorney General had issued an authority to prosecute, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Law and Codification Act which state that a boy child below the age of 12 years is deemed incapable of committing a sexual crime. Legal Resources Foundation Annual Report 2015 19