News / National
Zimbabwe escalates crime prevention, justice delivery
19 May 2024 at 05:21hrs | Views
Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, announced the revision of several laws and the introduction of new policies to enhance crime prevention and justice delivery in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, Austria, held from May 13 to 17, 2024, Faranisi emphasized the progressive steps taken by the government.
He highlighted the new Prisons and Correctional Services Act, effective from August 2023, which focuses on rehabilitating inmates and reintegrating them into society. This law prioritizes helping inmates rehabilitate and successfully rejoin their communities post-incarceration over mere punishment.
"Our goal is to support former inmates in becoming productive members of society, thereby reducing recidivism," Faranisi stated.
This shift reflects a holistic approach to criminal justice, aiming to contribute to a safer and more inclusive society.
Faranisi also noted the government's response to technological challenges in crime prevention and justice delivery, particularly addressing new forms of criminal activity facilitated by digital platforms.
"In March 2022, Zimbabwe enacted the Cyber and Data Protection Act to address the rise in cybercrime," he explained.
Furthermore, he pointed out that addressing legal gaps ensures laws remain effective against contemporary crime challenges. This approach underscores the government's commitment to adapting the legal framework to tackle new threats in the digital era.
Additionally, a fully-fledged forensics and cyber laboratory was established to enhance evidence processing efficiency.
"The Cyber Laboratory includes a monitoring center for open-source intelligence, malware analysis, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and facial recognition. Meanwhile, the Forensics Department has improved the timely availability of scientific evidence for justice delivery," he said.
This development has significantly reduced backlogs, particularly in areas like illicit drug-related cases.
Faranisi also affirmed Zimbabwe's dedication to combating terrorism and organized crime, including trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing. Addressing crime prevention and justice, he emphasized the importance of fighting corruption and promoting good governance.
"The country is committed to thoroughly investigating acts of corruption and holding those responsible accountable," Faranisi stressed.
He advocated for global cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, highlighting the need for increased collaboration to prevent crime, enhance criminal justice systems, and uphold the rule of law.
Zimbabwe calls for inclusive efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against organized crime, he concluded.
Speaking at the 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, Austria, held from May 13 to 17, 2024, Faranisi emphasized the progressive steps taken by the government.
He highlighted the new Prisons and Correctional Services Act, effective from August 2023, which focuses on rehabilitating inmates and reintegrating them into society. This law prioritizes helping inmates rehabilitate and successfully rejoin their communities post-incarceration over mere punishment.
"Our goal is to support former inmates in becoming productive members of society, thereby reducing recidivism," Faranisi stated.
This shift reflects a holistic approach to criminal justice, aiming to contribute to a safer and more inclusive society.
Faranisi also noted the government's response to technological challenges in crime prevention and justice delivery, particularly addressing new forms of criminal activity facilitated by digital platforms.
"In March 2022, Zimbabwe enacted the Cyber and Data Protection Act to address the rise in cybercrime," he explained.
Furthermore, he pointed out that addressing legal gaps ensures laws remain effective against contemporary crime challenges. This approach underscores the government's commitment to adapting the legal framework to tackle new threats in the digital era.
Additionally, a fully-fledged forensics and cyber laboratory was established to enhance evidence processing efficiency.
"The Cyber Laboratory includes a monitoring center for open-source intelligence, malware analysis, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and facial recognition. Meanwhile, the Forensics Department has improved the timely availability of scientific evidence for justice delivery," he said.
This development has significantly reduced backlogs, particularly in areas like illicit drug-related cases.
Faranisi also affirmed Zimbabwe's dedication to combating terrorism and organized crime, including trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing. Addressing crime prevention and justice, he emphasized the importance of fighting corruption and promoting good governance.
"The country is committed to thoroughly investigating acts of corruption and holding those responsible accountable," Faranisi stressed.
He advocated for global cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, highlighting the need for increased collaboration to prevent crime, enhance criminal justice systems, and uphold the rule of law.
Zimbabwe calls for inclusive efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against organized crime, he concluded.
Source - newzimbabwe
