Matanda-Moyo Urges End to ‘Adversarial Culture’ Between Prosecutors and Defence Lawyers
Zimbabwe Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo calls for collaboration between prosecutors and defence lawyers, urging ethical conduct, professionalism, and “collaborative independence” to strengthen justice delivery.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Harare - Loice Matanda-Moyo has called for a fundamental shift in how prosecutors and defence lawyers relate, urging both sides to abandon hostility and work together in the pursuit of justice.
Addressing a joint training session of prosecutors and private advocates, the Prosecutor-General said the long-held perception that the two sides are natural enemies is damaging to the justice system.
“We are not opponents. We are compatriots… partners in a common mission: justice for the people,” she said.
Matanda-Moyo emphasised that both prosecutors and defence counsel are officers of the court with a shared responsibility to uphold the law and protect the integrity of the justice delivery system.
She introduced the concept of “collaborative independence,” where each side maintains its constitutional role while working toward the same goal, the fair application of the law.
The training programme, which brings experienced advocates into direct engagement with State prosecutors, is designed to promote mutual understanding and improve courtroom performance.
Matanda-Moyo acknowledged that private lawyers often expose weaknesses in prosecution cases through legal challenges such as exceptions and preliminary objections, but said this should be viewed as an opportunity for growth rather than conflict.
“We chose you because you have given us the biggest headaches… and those headaches revealed our weaknesses,” she said.
She also cautioned legal practitioners against personalising disputes, particularly on social media, warning that attacks on prosecutors undermine the dignity of the justice system.
“That is not advocacy. That is bullying,” she said.
At the same time, she challenged prosecutors to accept criticism, improve their skills and avoid hiding behind their positions.
Matanda-Moyo further urged defence lawyers to act ethically and avoid compromising professional standards in pursuit of acquittals.
“A strong, ethical and skilled prosecution service elevates the entire profession,” she said.
The initiative is expected to foster better cooperation between prosecutors and defence lawyers, ultimately improving fairness, reducing delays and strengthening confidence in Zimbabwe’s justice system.
