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VP Mnangagwa

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
The National Prosecuting Authority must earn its trust from members of the public by combating crime, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

He made the remarks in Harare on Wednesday when he met members of the NPA.

VP Mnangagwa said the institution must endeavour to develop itself into a fully-fledged modern day institution to combat crime with clear-cut key output results areas, activities and deliverables.

“This will go a long way in building goodwill for an organisation whose integrity is usually at the mercy of the court of public opinion and perceptions,” said VP Mnangagwa.

He implored the authority to re-adjust itself to tackle organised crime that has become a threat to development.

He said there was need for a robust research culture, continuous education and adoption of best practices.

Use of DNA evidence should also be encouraged.

He said Government was committed to providing resources to the authority to enable it to carry out its mandate without impediments.

“Notwithstanding the limited fiscal space, we are committed as Government to ensure that the NPA is capacitated to deal with its mandate given its crucial role in justice delivery.

“We are also mindful of the need to improve the conditions of service of the human capital side of the NPA,” said VP Mnangagwa.

He explained the rationale behind the splitting of the National Prosecuting Authority from the Attorney-General’s Office saying it was necessitated by concerns from some quarters who felt allowing the AG to undertake criminal prosecutions and principal adviser to Government compromised the office.

“Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of Government to adhere to the principles of separation of powers in order to ensure and guarantee the independence of the institution.

“You may, however, agree with me that the ideal doctrine is incomplete without checks and balances which is also an integral part of the doctrine of separation of powers.

“Thus, inasmuch as the authority will be independent, there is still need for parliamentary oversight, a best practice in a representative democracy such as ours,” said VP Mnangagwa.

Board members who attended the meeting included NPA chairperson Mr Johannes Tomana, his deputy, Mrs Florence Ziyambi, Ms Sinikiwe Tirivanhu, Mr Tawanda Chitapi, Mr Trust Chikohora, Commissioner Job Wabira and Mr Misheck Mugadza.