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Trust Freddy Herald Correspondent
AS the nation warms up to peaceful elections, the National Prosecuting Authority has issued a strong warning to all perpetrators of political violence saying those found on the wrong side of the law would be prosecuted.
This came out yesterday during the launch of the first ever edition of the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe’s quarterly magazine, “The Dominus Litis”.
The magazine aims to keep members of the public well informed about the NPA’s procedures, standards, and accomplishments.
Speaking on the side-lines of the launch, Acting Prosecutor-General Mr Nelson Mutsonziwa said the country has enough competent prosecutors ready to deal with any politically motivated violence.
He said they have received some cases which are being processed and would want such cases to be completed promptly. The Judicial Service Commission, through the Chief Justice, has already put in place a full team of magistrates on standby to try cases of criminal activity related to the elections. This means those magistrates will adjourn other matters to move promptly into the election-related trials so they can be concluded quickly.
According to the Electoral Act, there must be special measures for the investigation, prosecution and trial of cases of politically-motivated violence and intimidation, and the punishment of people convicted of such violence or intimidation.
Regarding how they handle politically motivated violence and intimidation, Mr Mutsonziwa said they were totally in compliance with the Electoral Act.
“Since the days of Advocate Johannes Tomana as the Prosecutor General, the NPA has adopted a formidable position against crimes involving political violence.
“Let me assure you that we shall decisively deal with such matters upon submission of the crime dockets by our law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The role of the NPA is frequently misunderstood by the public, but with the launch of a new magazine, misconceptions about how justice is delivered are set to be dispelled.
Explained Mr Mutsonziwa: “As we communicate, our aim is to assure the public that we are visible and efficiently and effectively discharging our mandate, that we are enhancing service delivery, maintaining public safety and order, and improving the rule of law as well as continuous access to justice.”
Online Reporter