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Trust Freddy–Herald Correspondent 

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has completed nearly 5 500 crime-related cases in Harare during the second quarter of this year, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to curb crime.

According to NPAZ performance indicators for Harare Province in the second quarter of this year, domestic violence topped the list of reported crimes, with a total of 617 cases closely followed by theft cases at 599.

The authority managed to complete 471 cases of the received domestic violence cases and 507 of theft cases.

NPAZ also handled over 31 murder cases and completed 18, while over 284 cases were completed of the 344 robbery cases received. 

This also comes amid rising concern from the police over killings stemming from petty issues, such as those arising during beer-drinking sprees and domestic disputes, which are on the rise nationwide.

As a result of the ongoing operation against touts and mushikashikas, the NPAZ also handled a significant number of touting-related crimes, with 371 being recorded and of the total, 361 cases have already been completed. 

However, the disposal of drug-related cases remains low, with only 75 cases completed out of 245 received.

The authority also received 166 traffic offences and completed 130, while reported cases of rape stood at 98, with 91 completed. 

NPAZ also received 41 armed robbery cases in Harare and completed 31, while cases of car theft stood at 13, with eight completed. Nevertheless, 2 583 cases remain pending.

Recently, Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said NPAZ was prosecuting without fear or favour in line with this year’s theme: “Restoring public trust through just, effective and timely prosecution of cases.”

In line with the theme, Justice Matanda-Moyo said, NPAZ had made some sweeping changes to encourage excellence and professionalism within the authority and increase staff supervision and eradicate perceived or potential institutional corruption. 

The authority has appointed two Acting Deputy Prosecutors General each responsible for 12 to 16 stations and that has helped foster a culture of professionalism and integrity. With the tightening up of procedures, cases are being expedited and postponements are no longer the norm.