HARARE Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says Zimbabwe needs an independent prosecuting agency separate from the Attorney Generals Office to restore respect of the justice system and ensure non-partisan handling of cases. In an open letter to Zimbabweans last Thursday, Tsvangirai proposed the establishment of an Independent National Prosecuting Agency which should take over the current functions of the AGs Office.
As we debate the content of our new Constitution there is need for us to debate this issue. My personal view is that our country needs an Independent National Prosecuting Agency separate from the political office of the Attorney General, he said.
He said the AG must be restricted to be a legal advisor to government and not as a prosecutor.
Such a system would ensure that everyone is equal before the law, regardless of which party is in power or who was appointed by whom, added Tsvangirai.
Tsvangirais comments came as pressure has intensified in recent months for the removal of the AG Johannes Tomana who is accused of partial application of the law and leading a campaign of persecution against perceived opponents of President Robert Mugabe.
In the latest development, the AGs Office stands accused of persecuting Tsvangirais ally and MDC-T treasurer-general Roy Bennett who was summoned to appear in court to face charges for a crime allegedly committed in 2001.
Bennett, already facing separate terrorism charges in another court, is accused of hoarding 92 000 tonnes of maize at his farm in October 2001.
The AGs Office has deferred the maize-hoarding case until further notice to investigate why it has taken nine years to bring the matter before the courts.
Post published in: News