Cabinet has approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill which gives arresting powers to municipal police officers when enforcing by-laws as government and local authorities work together to curb lawlessness and improve service delivery.
The Bill was presented by the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi.
A post-cabinet notice which confirmed the development reads: “The public is informed that in line with the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] and the Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13], Local
Authorities are empowered to formulate and enforce regulation of matters falling within their jurisdiction.
“In order to promote good governance, efficient service delivery and access to justice, local authorities require coordinated structures and strengthened municipal enforcement of by-laws to address issues of non-compliance, including apprehension of offenders of by-laws, investigation and prosecution of such offenses.
“The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain, dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management, and local crime prevention.
“Additionally, the Bill provides for the creation of municipal courts; definition of the courts’ jurisdiction; including over municipal by-laws, minor offenses, traffic violations; and the appointment of municipal magistrates, among other matters prescribed by the law. “Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional Devolution principles and improved public public safety and environmental outcomes.”
The huge development will go a long way in helping curb acts of lawlessness in the City of Harare like illegal vending.
