Goverment Mulls Public Consultation On Cyber Crime Bill

The Zimbabwean government said it will consult the public over the Cyber Crime and Cyber Security Bill shortly, Chronicle reported. The Information and Communication Technology Parliamentary Portfolio Committee said the bill seeks to provide for and to consolidate cyber-related offences with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution and the public and national interests.

The bill will enable investigation and collection of evidence of cyber-crime, the admissibility of electronic evidence for such offences, create a technology-driven business environment and encourage technological development and the lawful use of technology.

Committee chairman Chalton Hwende said it is waiting for the bill to be submitted before Parliament by the drafters. Submissions are expected sometime in February, after parliament resumes business by the end of January. Immediately after the bill is submitted to parliament, it will be forwarded to the committee, and public consultations will begin immediately, said Hwende.