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Zimbabwe municipal police officers gets arrest powers
9 hrs ago |
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Municipal police officers could soon be granted powers to arrest offenders and enforce local authority by-laws under a new Bill approved by Cabinet, in a move aimed at strengthening local governance, public safety and service delivery.
Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill after considering proposals presented by the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing municipal policing while establishing dedicated municipal courts to deal with by-law offences, traffic violations and other minor criminal matters.
According to the post-Cabinet media briefing, the Bill is intended to equip local authorities with stronger enforcement mechanisms to improve governance, service delivery and access to justice.
"The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management, and local crime prevention," the statement said.
In addition to expanding the powers of municipal police, the Bill provides for the establishment of municipal courts and defines their jurisdiction over municipal by-laws, minor offences and traffic-related cases.
"It also provides for the appointment of municipal magistrates, among other matters prescribed by the law," the statement added.
Government said the proposed legislation is designed to professionalise municipal policing while enhancing public safety and improving environmental management.
"Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional Devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes," the statement said.
If enacted into law, the Municipal Police and Courts Bill will give local authorities broader legal powers to enforce by-laws, prosecute offenders through dedicated municipal courts and improve service delivery in both urban and rural communities.
Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill after considering proposals presented by the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing municipal policing while establishing dedicated municipal courts to deal with by-law offences, traffic violations and other minor criminal matters.
According to the post-Cabinet media briefing, the Bill is intended to equip local authorities with stronger enforcement mechanisms to improve governance, service delivery and access to justice.
"The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management, and local crime prevention," the statement said.
"It also provides for the appointment of municipal magistrates, among other matters prescribed by the law," the statement added.
Government said the proposed legislation is designed to professionalise municipal policing while enhancing public safety and improving environmental management.
"Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional Devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes," the statement said.
If enacted into law, the Municipal Police and Courts Bill will give local authorities broader legal powers to enforce by-laws, prosecute offenders through dedicated municipal courts and improve service delivery in both urban and rural communities.
Source - the herald
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