…urges them to uphold Constitution
The Prosecutor General, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, has urged public prosecutors to remain steadfast in upholding the Constitution and resisting corruption, warning that any compromise within the justice system could erode public confidence and threaten social stability.
Addressing newly recruited prosecutors during an induction workshop in Harare, Justice Matanda-Moyo said prosecutors occupy a critical position in safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring the effective administration of justice.
“Your role matters fundamentally to the stability of Zimbabwe and preserves the architecture of civilised society,” she said.
Justice Matanda-Moyo said every criminal offence is an offence against society, placing a heavy responsibility on prosecutors to act with integrity, professionalism and impartiality at all times.
She warned that corruption, incompetence or negligence within the prosecution service could undermine the justice delivery system and weaken public trust in the courts.
“If the justice system fails, if prosecutors are weak, compromised or lazy, the social contract breaks down, citizens 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 urged prosecutors to ensure that all prosecution decisions are guided solely by the Constitution, the law and the facts before the courts, stressing that the criminal justice system must never be used to pursue personal vendettas or settle individual grievances.
She said integrity, professionalism and fidelity to constitutional principles were indispensable attributes for prosecutors, as public confidence in the justice system depended largely on the conduct of those entrusted with enforcing the law.
The induction workshop was organised to equip newly recruited prosecutors with the knowledge and practical skills required to discharge their duties professionally while strengthening their capacity to resist corruption and other unethical practices.
Justice Matanda-Moyo said the training programme forms part of the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice and reinforce the rule of law.
She said the effectiveness of the criminal justice system ultimately depends on prosecutors who are committed to fairness, integrity and the faithful application of the law, with public trust remaining the cornerstone of a credible justice system.
