MDC-T has plans for CIOs

THE MDC-T government plans to have legislation that would govern the operations of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), among a raft of reforms designed to create a professional security outfit.

MDC-T has been insisting on security sector reforms saying some of the CIO operatives were dabbling into politics and operating like an arm of Zanu-PF.

In the policy document, Agenda for Real Transformation (ART) launched yesterday, the legislation would ensure that the organisation is non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional and subordinate to the civilian authority, the Standard reported.

"There will be an intelligence legislation which emphasises the themes of an ethical code of conduct, the rule of law and parliamentary oversight," the policy document said.

It said the spy agency has been abused by successive governments to subvert democracy and the rights of the people of Zimbabwe.

However, the regulation of the CIO would ensure that a fair and acceptable balance is reached between the need to protect sensitive information and the demands of freedom of information.

Currently the spy agency reports directly to the President.