Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE Government has approved the Whistle-blowers and Witness Protection Bill, a landmark piece of legislation expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s fight against corruption, organised crime and other offences that often go unreported due to fear of reprisals.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced the development following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Dr Muswere said that the Bill establishes a comprehensive framework to ensure citizens who come forward with information in the public interest can do so without intimidation, harm or undue exposure. The proposed law will provide secure channels for whistle-blowers to disclose information on misconduct that undermines national interests, whether in public institutions, private entities or social structures.
Crucially, the Bill seeks to offer both physical and legal protection to those who disclose such information, as well as to witnesses whose testimony is vital to prosecution processes. Among its key provisions, the Bill creates a fully-fledged Witness Protection Unit under the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Dr Muswere said the Bill will soon be forwarded to Parliament for further scrutiny and debate.
“The Bill provides a framework within which whistle-blowers can disclose information regarding conduct inimical to the public interest without suffering any threat or harm, and also provides for the protection of witnesses. The Bill further provides for the establishment of a Witness Protection Unit within the National Prosecuting Authority, as well as a Witness Protection Appeal Tribunal,” he said.
The new unit will be responsible for assessing risks, co-ordinating protective measures and ensuring witnesses are shielded from threats before, during and after court proceedings. An independent Witness Protection Appeal Tribunal will also be set up to handle grievances and appeals related to protection decisions.
Legal experts say the Bill marks a major step toward aligning Zimbabwe with international best practices, where witness and whistle-blower protection systems are central to effective justice delivery. In many jurisdictions, similar frameworks have been credited with dismantling criminal syndicates, exposing high-level corruption and facilitating successful prosecutions in complex cases.
The introduction of the Whistle-blowers and Witness Protection Bill follows years of calls for stronger safeguards for individuals who assist law enforcement. Historically, witnesses in high-profile cases have faced harassment, intimidation or violent threats, leading to withdrawal of testimony and stalled investigations.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution already obliges the State to protect vulnerable participants in legal processes, but the absence of a specific legislative and institutional mechanism has long been viewed as a gap in the justice system. Past reports by anti-corruption bodies and civic organisations have highlighted how fear of victimisation discourages citizens from reporting wrongdoing, resulting in unresolved cases and weakened accountability.
The new Bill is expected to enhance confidence in the justice system, encourage public participation in crime reporting and bolster national efforts to curb corruption. Once enacted, the legislation will help build a safer environment where citizens can expose criminal conduct without fear, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and accountable Zimbabwe.
