Stakeholders in Zimbabwe are calling for the introduction of a dedicated whistleblower protection law, warning that the absence of strong legal safeguards is undermining efforts to combat corruption.
The appeal was made during a stakeholder consultation meeting convened by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), which brought together officials from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and civil society organisations to discuss a proposed Whistleblower Protection Bill being developed by the government.
TIZ says the consultations are aimed at shaping a legal framework that can effectively protect informants from retaliation and encourage reporting of corruption cases.
Communications and Advocacy Officer Takunda Mandura said Zimbabwe has long needed a standalone law to guarantee the safety of whistleblowers.
“We have been advocating for a standalone witness and whistleblower protection, which protects them,” he said.
Mandura warned that without adequate safeguards, individuals who expose corruption remain vulnerable to serious victimisation.
“Corruption thrives in secrecy,” he said. “If a whistleblower is not protected, there is an issue of victimisation. We have seen across borders people being killed.”
Legal practitioners at the meeting also raised concerns about procedural constraints within the current justice system.
National Prosecuting Authority public prosecutor Nonhlanhla Ndlovu said prosecutions are largely guided by the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, which limits flexibility in handling cases, particularly at magistrates’ courts.
“The reality about the criminal justice system is that there is an Act called the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act,” she said. “At the magistrates’ court, that is the Act that binds us; we cannot do anything outside the confines of statutes that govern our operations.”
Law enforcement officials said the lack of specific whistleblower protection laws has also affected investigations.
Detective Chief Inspector Forgive Dube of the police anti-corruption unit in the southern region said about 30% of corruption-related intelligence originates from whistleblowers, but many cases collapse due to intimidation or interference.
“If whistleblowers or witnesses are intimidated or victimised in the process, investigations will not proceed well because they withdraw,” he said.
Dube also raised concerns over the manipulation of evidence, saying some informants alter their statements after being approached by suspects.
He said inducement and intimidation were weakening corruption prosecutions and called for stronger legal safeguards.
“I think the Bill should have certain mechanisms to protect those whistleblowers and put some sections to promote their safety,” he said.
Stakeholders at the meeting said the proposed legislation could strengthen Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption framework by ensuring that informants are legally protected and able to provide information without fear of retaliation.