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Peter Matika, [email protected]

THE National Prosecution Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has engaged the United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) to explore ways of co-operation that will see local public prosecutors undergoing training in cyber-crime, data protection, asset recovery and other aspects of criminal justice delivery.

In a statement, NPAZ said Prosecutor General Justice Loice Matanda Moyo last Tuesday hosted Usaid mission director Jeanan Davis and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade officials at the NPAZ head office, where they explored areas of co-operation in continuing legal education for public prosecutors on cyber-crime, data protection, asset recovery and other aspects of criminal justice delivery. 

NPAZ said Justice Matanda-Moyo discussed the efforts that are being made towards combating corruption and enhancing the criminal justice delivery system by collaboration with stakeholders in the justice delivery sector.

“The NPAZ has forged partnerships with various players in the justice delivery system, in an effort to improve efficiency in discharging its constitutional mandate as it fights for the rights of the citizens. In addition, the NPAZ collaborates with all essential stakeholders across agencies to uphold the rule of law and protect the people of Zimbabwe,” read the statement.

NPAZ said the Usaid Charge d’ Affairs is committed to collaborating with the NPAZ in enhancing efforts in fighting crime as well as enhancement of the justice delivery system.

The partnership with Usaid comes at a time when the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is making strides in enhancing the country’s laws and justice delivery. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of creating a fair and efficient legal system that benefits all citizens.

The partnership is set to focus on capacity-building programmes for public prosecutors and court officials in providing access to legal resources and training materials. 

By working together, the NPAZ and Usaid aim to strengthen the rule of law, promote transparency, and improve the overall quality of justice delivery in the country.

“Through this partnership, NPAZ hopes to address existing challenges and gaps in the legal system, such as case backlog, inefficiencies in court processes and lack of access to legal representation for marginalised communities,” said NPAZ.

By leveraging Usaid’s expertise and resources, NPAZ said it is confident that it will achieve its goal of building a more just and equitable society for all citizens.

The partnership with Usaid is a testament to NPAZ’s commitment to continuously improve and adapt, to meet the evolving needs of the legal system. 

“It is a step forward in ensuring that every citizen has access to a fair and efficient justice system that upholds their rights and protects their interests. With this collaboration, NPAZ is hopeful that they can create a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come,” said NPAZ.