Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe recorded far-reaching achievements in 2025, marking a defining period in its quest for prosecutorial excellence.
Under the leadership of Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo, the Authority underwent significant transformation, earning recognition from regional and international forums and repositioning itself as a modern, efficient and accountable institution.
Rebranding and institutional reforms
Central to the transformation has been a comprehensive rebranding and institutional reform programme.
The unveiling of a new logo and website signalled a renewed commitment to transparency and accessibility.
As part of the restructuring, each Deputy Prosecutor-General now directly supervises a minimum of three provinces, a development that has enhanced accountability and increased work output across the prosecution service.
Enhancing prosecutorial excellence through tools and training
Guided by the 2025 theme, “Prosecutorial Excellence through Efficacy,” the NPAZ prioritised equipping its prosecutors with modern tools to improve efficiency.
A total of 550 laptops were procured, ensuring that every public prosecutor is adequately resourced.
Connectivity was also enhanced through the installation of Wi-Fi stations in offices across eight provinces, including Matabeleland North and Masvingo, excluding Triangle.
Overall internet bandwidth was increased to 300MBps to support the expanded digital infrastructure.
Capacitation remained a key focus, with extensive training programmes rolled out covering IECMS readiness, human rights law, criminal procedure, rules of evidence and standard operating procedures for prosecutors, alongside induction for new recruits.
Support staff also benefited from training in procurement and human resources.
In a major operational shift, the Authority implemented a no-postponement policy, significantly speeding up case finalisation and reducing unnecessary delays caused by prosecutors.
Promoting transparency and combating corruption and sexual violence
Transparency and accountability remained at the core of NPAZ operations. Quarterly performance statistics were regularly published on social media, keeping the public informed of prosecutorial outcomes.
The Authority adopted a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
The former Inspectorate Unit was transformed into the Evaluation and Monitoring Unit to promptly investigate public complaints.
This led to disciplinary hearings and criminal prosecutions, with 18 prosecutors currently facing corruption-related allegations.
In line with the national devolution policy, the Asset Forfeiture Unit decentralised its operations, appointing focal persons in every province to strengthen delivery on set targets.
The NPAZ also intensified campaigns against corruption and sexual and gender-based violence, particularly familial rape.
Successful online campaigns resulted in increased reporting of sensitive cases such as familial rape of children, child marriages and sexual abuse of boy children.
In Masvingo Province, sexual offences declined due to efficient prosecutions and deterrent sentences.
Nationwide, the Authority receives at least 30 rape cases daily from the police and posts at least one finalised familial rape case each day on its social media platforms.
The NPAZ is also on course to sign three memoranda of understanding this year, having already signed one with the Southern African Parliamentarians Against Corruption, and has engaged investigative journalists to strengthen collaborative efforts.
Improving prosecutor welfare and working conditions
To mitigate skills flight, the NPAZ enhanced conditions of service through monetary and non-monetary incentives.
Engagements with the Public Service Commission addressed upgrading and proper notching across grades.
Performance awards and a housing scheme were introduced, with 57 housing stands allocated to prosecutors in Harare, Bindura, Rusape and Marondera.
The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities is also spearheading the construction of 32 three-bedroom flats in Manresa, now over 90 percent complete.
Additionally, three Government-owned houses were secured in Rusape, Gokwe and Chikombedzi.
Office spaces are also being modernised to meet expectations of professionalism and efficiency, with refurbishments underway in Zvishavane and Chinhoyi.
High-impact prosecutions and public engagement
The Authority made notable progress in handling serious cases and reducing backlogs. It successfully presented cases before the High Court for the re-sentencing of 36 out of 38 inmates previously on death row, ensuring compliance with new sentencing guidelines through victim impact statements.
More than 50 percent of the annual criminal case target was achieved, with all high-profile matters indicted in the High Court and prosecuted by experienced senior counsel.
The heaviest sentences — up to 52 years—were handed down to Hurungwe District Council officials.
International cooperation also improved, with 74 out of a targeted 80 requests successfully handled.
Public engagement was strengthened through exhibitions, radio programmes and revitalised social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, to address public concerns.
Environmental crimes, drugs and asset recovery
A special desk was established to track cases involving endangered species, including rhino horns, elephant tusks and pangolins.
Working with investigative agencies, the NPAZ ensured mandatory penalties and forfeiture of instrumentalities of crime, including a US$1 million boat forfeited to the State in Mashonaland Central. Properties and projects built on wetlands are also being nullified through prosecution.
Special courts were set up to deal with drug and substance abuse cases, with specialised training provided to investigators, prosecutors and magistrates.
The approach now targets both users and sources of drugs, coupled with forfeiture and partnerships with rehabilitation centres, supported by Central Government.
The NPAZ, alongside investigative arms of Government, successfully hosted the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of Southern Africa Annual General Meeting in Victoria Falls.
Member states approved an annual report commending Zimbabwe and the NPAZ for championing cross-border cooperation.
Following Government approval of the NPAZ organogram, recruitment was completed in both administration and prosecution departments, strengthening implementation of the Authority’s 2026–2030 strategic plan in line with National Development Strategy 2.
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