Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
CABINET has approved the Biological and Toxin Weapons Crimes Bill (2025), Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
This piece of legislation seeks to prohibit the development and use of biological agents and toxins, aligning Zimbabwe with international treaties designed to prevent biological warfare.
The Bill makes it an offence to develop, possess or use certain biological agents and toxins.
It implements the United Nations Convention on the Prohibition of Biological Weapons from 1972 and the 1925 Protocol against asphyxiating and poisonous gases.
The Bill establishes licencing for using biological agents for peaceful purposes, with penalties for non-compliance.
Dr Muswere said encouraging or facilitating the use of biological weapons will also be criminalised under the new law.
“The main objective of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Crimes Bill is to prohibit the development, production, manufacture, possession, stockpiling, importation, exportation, transportation, transit, trans-shipment, transfer or use of certain biological agents and toxins and of biological weapons,” he said.
Cabinet also approved the creation of the Pathways to Reintegration Foundation, a Private Voluntary Organisation aimed at improving the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and ex-inmates.
The foundation will partner with private sector entities and local and international organisations to develop programmes tailored to the needs of inmates, ex-inmates and the community.
It draws inspiration from successful initiatives in countries like Nigeria, Singapore, the United States and Fiji. The foundation is based on the principle of Hunhu/Ubuntu, promoting compassion and community support to dismantle stigma and facilitate reintegration.
It will implement four cluster-based programmes focusing on education, community engagement, wellness support and job placement.
Dr Muswere said the programmes will include primary, secondary and tertiary education, initiatives for community education and involvement, mental health and psycho-social support services and entrepreneurship support, along with digital education opportunities.
These programmes will align with global best practices to enhance the rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for inmates and ex-inmates.
