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Lloyd Gumbo Harare Bureau
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must earn its trust from members of the public by combating crime anchored on a results-based approach, Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

He made the remarks in Harare yesterday when he met members of the NPA.

VP Mnangagwa said the institution must endeavour to develop itself into a fully-fledged modern-day institution to combat crime with clear-cut key result areas, activities and deliverables.

“This will go a long way in building goodwill for an organisation whose integrity is usually at the mercy of the court of public opinion and perceptions,” said VP Mnangagwa.

He implored the Authority to re-adjust itself to tackle organised crime that has become a threat to development. To achieve this, he said, there was need for a robust research culture, continuous education and adoption of best practices. Use of DNA evidence should also be encouraged.

He said the government was committed to providing resources to the NPA to enable it to carry out its mandate without impediment. “Notwithstanding the limited fiscal space, we’re committed as a government to ensure that the NPA is capacitated to deal with its mandate given its crucial role in justice delivery,” he said.

“We’re also mindful of the need to improve the conditions of service of the human capital side of the NPA.”

He explained the rationale behind the splitting of the National Prosecuting Authority from the Attorney-General’s Office saying it was necessitated by concerns from some quarters who felt allowing the AG to undertake criminal prosecutions and being principal adviser to the government compromised the office.

“Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the government to adhere to the principles of separation of powers in order to ensure and guarantee the independence of the institution,” he went on.

“You may, however, agree with me that the ideal doctrine is incomplete without checks and balances which is also an integral part of the doctrine of separation of powers. Thus, in as much as the NPA will be independent, there’s still need for parliamentary oversight, a best practice in a representative democracy such as ours.”

Board members who attended yesterday’s meeting included NPA chairperson Johannes Tomana, his deputy, Florence Ziyambi, Sinikiwe Tirivanhu, Tawanda Chitapi, Trust Chikohora, Commissioner Job Wabira and Misheck Mugadza.