Zimbabwe High Court Records Sharp Rise in Divorce Applications in 2025

Zimbabwe High Court Records Sharp Rise in Divorce Applications in 2025

Divorce filings have surged by 27% in Zimbabwe, putting increased pressure on the country’s High Court.

In 2025, the High Court handled 3 989 applications, up from 3 138 in 2024. Despite the rise in filings, completed divorces fell by 15 percent, dropping from 2 939 to 2 493, highlighting growing delays in finalising cases.

Also Read: Zimbabwe’s Divorce Boom: Number Of Women Filing To End Marriages Soars

Harare and Bulawayo Lead in Cases

According to The Herald, Harare recorded the largest share, with registrations climbing 23 percent, from 1 939 in 2024 to 2 386 in 2025. Completed divorces, however, fell 24 percent, from 1 844 to 1 393.

Bulawayo also saw a sharp rise in filings, jumping 40 percent from 754 in 2024 to 1 052 in 2025, while completed cases declined slightly from 710 to 640.

Smaller Stations Show Mixed Trends

Smaller High Court stations experienced more moderate changes:

• Masvingo: Registrations rose from 180 to 208; completed cases improved from 136 to 156.
• Mutare: Most cases were finalised, with 210 of 221 divorces completed in 2025.
• Chinhoyi: Slight registration increase from 108 to 122, but completions fell slightly from 98 to 94.

Also Read: How To Process An Uncontested Divorce Proceeding In Zimbabwe

Marriages Continue Despite Rising Divorces

While divorces are increasing, marriage remains common. Magistrates across the country solemnised 11 160 marriages in 2025, with Harare recording the highest number at 4 053.

Experts say the growing divorce trend reflects societal pressures, including labour migration, evolving gender roles, and the weakening of traditional family support networks.

Courts Under Pressure

The contrast between rising applications and declining completions suggests that the High Court is facing increasing workloads, particularly in major urban centres.

Observers warn that without additional resources or reforms, delays in finalising cases may continue to mount.

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