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NPA warns against feigning mental illness to evade justice
2 hrs ago |
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is strengthening measures to prevent accused persons from abusing mental health assessments as a means of evading prosecution.
Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo said the justice system must strike a balance between protecting the rights of individuals with genuine mental health conditions and ensuring that offenders do not exploit the process to avoid accountability.
Speaking on the issue, Matanda-Moyo warned that the NPA had noted instances where some accused persons allegedly sought to manipulate the justice system through false claims of mental illness.
She said authorities would continue to uphold legitimate psychiatric evaluations and mental health assessments where necessary, while taking steps to identify and deter fraudulent claims.
"The justice system must protect those with genuine mental health challenges, but it must also guard against abuse of the process by individuals seeking to escape responsibility for criminal conduct," she said.
The NPA emphasised that mental health assessments remain an important component of the criminal justice system, particularly in determining an accused person's fitness to stand trial and criminal responsibility at the time of an alleged offence.
However, the authority warned that attempts to mislead courts and investigators through fabricated or exaggerated claims would not be tolerated.
Matanda-Moyo said prosecutors would work closely with medical professionals and other relevant institutions to ensure that mental health evaluations are conducted thoroughly and objectively.
The move forms part of broader efforts by the NPA to strengthen the integrity of the justice system and ensure that criminal cases are determined on the basis of credible evidence.
The authority reiterated that while the rights of persons with mental health conditions must be respected and protected, those who deliberately seek to deceive the courts should expect to face the full consequences of the law.
The NPA also urged the public to support efforts aimed at preserving confidence in the justice system by discouraging the misuse of legal and medical processes for personal gain.
Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo said the justice system must strike a balance between protecting the rights of individuals with genuine mental health conditions and ensuring that offenders do not exploit the process to avoid accountability.
Speaking on the issue, Matanda-Moyo warned that the NPA had noted instances where some accused persons allegedly sought to manipulate the justice system through false claims of mental illness.
She said authorities would continue to uphold legitimate psychiatric evaluations and mental health assessments where necessary, while taking steps to identify and deter fraudulent claims.
"The justice system must protect those with genuine mental health challenges, but it must also guard against abuse of the process by individuals seeking to escape responsibility for criminal conduct," she said.
The NPA emphasised that mental health assessments remain an important component of the criminal justice system, particularly in determining an accused person's fitness to stand trial and criminal responsibility at the time of an alleged offence.
However, the authority warned that attempts to mislead courts and investigators through fabricated or exaggerated claims would not be tolerated.
Matanda-Moyo said prosecutors would work closely with medical professionals and other relevant institutions to ensure that mental health evaluations are conducted thoroughly and objectively.
The move forms part of broader efforts by the NPA to strengthen the integrity of the justice system and ensure that criminal cases are determined on the basis of credible evidence.
The authority reiterated that while the rights of persons with mental health conditions must be respected and protected, those who deliberately seek to deceive the courts should expect to face the full consequences of the law.
The NPA also urged the public to support efforts aimed at preserving confidence in the justice system by discouraging the misuse of legal and medical processes for personal gain.
Source - ZiFM Stereo
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