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Minister Mnangagwa

Herald Reporter
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Emerson Mnangagwa yesterday presented the National Prosecuting Authority and Financial Adjustments Bills in the National Assembly.
The two Bills, which were read for the first time were transferred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee by Speaker of National Assembly, Cde Jacob Mudenda to establish if they are consistent with the Constitution.

Minister Mnangagwa said the NPA Bill sought to establish the National Prosecuting Authority Board and its functions.
The presentation of the NPA Bill is part of Government’s efforts to align the laws of the country with the new Constitution.

The Bill provides for the appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, administration of the authority, conditions of service of its members and transfer of persons from the civil service to the NPA.

Clause 4 provides for the setting up of the NPA to consist of the Prosecutor General appointed in terms of section 259 of the Constitution and other members.

Clause 5 provides for the setting up of a NPA board to consist of the PG who should be the chairperson and would be deputised by the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Clause six provides for the functions of the board. Clause 14 of the Bill empowers the minister to give directions on matters of policy to the board.

Financial Adjustments Bill seeks to condone unauthorised expenditure incurred by several Government ministries and departments. The Bill is in terms of section 307 of the Constitution which provides for condonation by Parliament if a Government ministry or department spends money in any financial year in excess of the amount appropriated by Treasury.

This should be done no later than 60 days after the extent of the unauthorised expenditure has been established.
Both Bills are expected to pass Parliament with or without amendments.