Pro­sec­utors tar­get decept­ive tac­tics in court

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has launched a firm stance against criminal suspects who feign illness or mental incapacity to avoid standing trial.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo warned that the era of using hospitals as shields from the law is coming to an end.

"Our message to those who do not value the sanctity of human life is clear: our reach is evolving, our tools are sharpening, and our resolve to secure justice for the victims of violent crime is absolute," Justice Matanda-Moyo said.

The PG highlighted the widespread phenomenon of malinger­ing, noting that nearly 17.5% of offenders attempt to feign mental incompetence to delay or derail their trials. Malingering is defined as the intentional production of false or exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms for external gain, including postponing trial dates or securing lenient sentencing.

Justice Matanda-Moyo cited the high-profile case of State v. Peter Dube as an example. Dube, a former Gweru businessman, was convicted of two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder following a 2021 shooting spree. During his trial at the Bulawayo High Court, Dube allegedly attempted to appear mentally unsound.

A state psychiatrist, Dr. Nemache Maware, testified that Dube continuously stared into space, rocked in his chair, refused to discuss the offenses, and feigned auditory and visual hallucinations. Despite these efforts, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him.

The PG emphasised that the NPA is moving towards a forensics-first approach, integrating DNA profiling, ballistics analysis, and digital footprint tracking to build cases that are "airtight and indisputable."

"By embracing a more sophisticated, forensics-driven model, we ensure that those attempting to evade justice through deception find no loopholes in our laws," Justice Matanda-Moyo said.

Authorities acknowledge that some serious cases remain unresolved as suspects are committed to psychiatric units, but the NPA insists that strengthened investigative protocols and expert assessments will reduce opportunities for malingering and delay tactics.

The announcement signals a renewed commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, particularly in high-stakes cases involving murder and violent crime.