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The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe is working on increased service delivery and ensuring that the prosecution of cases is done timeously. Herald Reporter Wallace Ruzvidzo (WR) had an interview with Zimbabwe’s new Prosecutor General, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo (LMM), where they discussed her new post and what she aims to achieve, among other issues.
WR: What will be your main focus areas for the NPA following your appointment as Prosecutor General by President Mnangagwa?
LMM: My main focus areas as I take over leadership of the NPAZ are as follows:
(a) Restoring confidence and dignity in the office through efficient, transparent and effective prosecution of matters.
(b) In line with Judicial Service Commission Integrated Electronic Case Management System (JSC IECMS) coming up with National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ IECMS).
(c) Improving quality of work through provision of tools of trade as well as a well-resourced e-library. The work of a prosecutor requires a great deal of research and being in constant touch with current laws. A library becomes a basic need in ensuring quality prosecution of matters.
(d) There is a thin line between incompetence and corruption. Capacitation and training of prosecutors is key in eradicating corruption. Building competence is one of my priority focus areas. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe should be authoritative in terms of criminal law. During my tenure the NPAZ will be the hub of criminal expertise in the country.
(e) Lobbying for improvement in conditions of service.
WR: Since you assumed the position recently, are there any areas that you have already noted as requiring improvement?
LMM: Indeed, there are a lot of areas that need improvement. Our backlog at the moment is huge and we are reviewing our prosecuting strategies to speed up our case clearance rate. We are also improving our collaboration and co-ordination with other actors in the criminal justice delivery system to ensure smooth flow of cases from investigating authorities, thus ensuring quick disposal of cases.
The NPAZ urgently requires an integrated electronic system to feed into the judiciary one. The obtaining situation where prosecutors share gadgets with criminals is not ideal. We are working flat out to ensure that the situation is resolved in all provinces.
WR: How would you characterise your main mission as the country’s Prosecutor-General?
LMM: My main mission is to ensure that criminal cases are prosecuted without fear or favour in the interest of the public. In so doing, the office must maintain integrity in the processes and remain accountable. Crime and corruption rates within our country must be minimised through effective prosecution of cases. It is our duty as the NPAZ that corruption is substantially reduced to also ensure Zimbabwe is positioned to attract foreign investment.
Furthermore, public trust remains key to achieving our mandate. It is therefore crucial that the office acts transparently in order not to lose that public trust. During my tenure as Prosecutor-General, I would want to see the development of criminal law jurisprudence.
WR: When you were at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), you referred many cases to the NPAZ for prosecution and you were not always happy with the pace with which cases were being handled, now that you are at the other end, can ZACC be assured of effective and expedited prosecution of cases once they have been referred to the NPA?
LMM: Definitely, all the law enforcement agents must be assured that the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe will henceforth work closely with them in ensuring that criminal cases are finalised within the shortest period. I have already instructed our prosecutors that postponement of cases should be the exception and not the norm. All cases set down for trial must be heard on those days that they are scheduled to be heard. Gone are the days when witnesses would be travelling to court just for postponements. We value our witnesses and they shall be accorded that respect. We must never get to a point when the public loses trust in the system as that can create anarchy in society. I am very alive to the important role this office enjoys within the criminal justice delivery system.
WR: You mentioned that you were lagging behind in terms of capacitating prosecutors, what measures are you putting in place to ensure that this is addressed?
LMM: I have already approached the relevant offices for assistance. I am grateful to the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera and the Minister of Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi for the support extended to the NPAZ in terms of the donation of 20 laptops and a heavy duty printer. We have managed to set up our computer lab for superior court prosecutors so that they are able to do their e-filings and researches.
Currently, we are sourcing for an extra 25 computers to create similar computer labs in Bulawayo, Masvingo, Chinhoyi, Mutare and Gweru. Capacitation of the office is an ongoing programme, but we are confident we are going to catch up with our counterparts within the justice delivery chain. Corruption will not be tolerated within the NPAZ and shall be dealt with decisively.
Online Reporter