Zanzibar Vice President urges public to support law enforcement in fighting crime

BY DIRAMAKINI

ZANZIBAR'S Second Vice President,Hon.Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has called on citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities, providing evidence whenever required, and playing an active role in safeguarding the peace and security enjoyed by the country.

He made the remarks at Madinat Al Bahr Hotel in Chukwani while representing the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council,Hon.Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi during the commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Zanzibar.

Speaking at the event, Hon.Abdulla emphasized that public participation is essential in ensuring justice is served and the rule of law is upheld. He noted that citizens' willingness to report crimes and testify in court when necessary significantly strengthens the country's criminal justice system and contributes to maintaining peace and stability.

The Second Vice President said this year's anniversary coincides with ongoing digital transformation initiatives within the justice sector aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and public access to prosecution services.

He noted that the adoption of digital systems has strengthened good governance, accountability, and the administration of justice by enhancing the efficiency and integrity of legal processes.

According to Hon Abdulla, digital technologies have also become an important tool in combating various forms of crime, including corruption, drug trafficking, cybercrime, economic sabotage, money laundering, as well as gender-based violence and sexual abuse.

He further reaffirmed that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar will continue prioritizing the justice and legal sector as part of its broader commitment to achieving the goals outlined in the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, recognizing the rule of law as a key pillar of sustainable social and economic development.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions for Zanzibar, Mgeni Jailani Jecha said the Office was established to improve access to justice and ensure the fair and impartial enforcement of the law.

He explained that over the past 24 years, the Office has continued to discharge its constitutional mandate effectively by prosecuting criminal cases, overseeing the implementation of laws related to the control and prevention of illicit drugs, and introducing a digital case management system to improve the monitoring and handling of criminal cases.

Jecha, however, appealed to the Government to provide the Office with an official vehicle to facilitate its operations and enhance service delivery.

For his part, the Minister of State in the President's Office responsible for Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance,Hon Dr.Haroun Ali Suleiman, stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration among all institutions within the justice sector to improve efficiency and ensure timely and effective delivery of justice.

The 24th anniversary celebrations provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the achievements made by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, assess existing challenges, and explore strategies for enhancing prosecution services through digital innovation and stronger institutional cooperation.