Prosecutors Must Shun Corruption: Prosecutor General

Harare — Prosecutor General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo has urged newly recruited Public Prosecutors to uphold the Constitution, act with integrity and resist corruption, warning that a compromised justice system threatens the stability of society.

Addressing a Public Prosecutors' Induction Workshop in Harare, Justice Matanda-Moyo said prosecutors occupy a critical position in safeguarding the rule of law and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

"Your role matters fundamentally to the stability of Zimbabwe and preserves the architecture of civilised society," she said.

"When a crime is committed, it is an offence against society as a whole," she said.

The Prosecutor General cautioned the new Prosecutors against allowing personal interests, external influence or corruption to interfere with their duties, saying every prosecution decision must be guided solely by the law and available evidence.

"If the justice system fails, if prosecutors are weak, compromised or lazy, the social contract breaks down.

"People lose faith in the courts and when faith is lost, citizens resort to the chaos of self-help and vigilante justice," she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo also warned Prosecutors against using the courts to settle personal scores, stressing that justice must always be administered impartially and professionally.

The induction workshop was to equip Prosecutors with skills, ethical grounding and professional standards necessary to effectively discharge their constitutional mandate while resisting corruption and other improper influences.

Her remarks come as the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) is continuing to strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and intensify efforts to root out corruption within its ranks.

Recently, Justice Matanda-Moyo revealed that seven public prosecutors from different parts of the country are currently facing corruption charges before the courts, while former Harare Prosecutor, Pardon Dziva, is serving a prison sentence following his conviction on corruption-related charges.

She has repeatedly stressed that the NPAZ maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and that no prosecutor implicated in criminal conduct will be shielded from prosecution.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said integrity remains the cornerstone of the prosecutorial profession, with Prosecutors expected to serve as "ministers of justice" whose primary responsibility is to uphold the law and protect public trust in the justice system