Chimwemwe Phiri
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has dismissed claims circulating on social media and online articles that the country has enacted a standalone Cyber Crimes Act
In a public notice, POTRAZ said such claims, which have appeared on social media and in some online articles, are “false and misleading”.
POTRAZ Director General Dr Gift. K Machengete said cybercrime offences in Zimbabwe are already adequately provided for under existing legislation.
“Zimbabwe does not have a standalone Cyber Crimes Act,” said Machengete. “Cybercrimes in Zimbabwe are provided for under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].”
He explained that the legal framework was strengthened in 2021 when Parliament amended the Criminal Code through the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] to cater for emerging technological developments.
“Sections 163 to 168 of the Criminal Code were amended to establish offences relating to computer systems, computer data, electronic communications and related conduct,” said Dr Machengete.
POTRAZ outlined a consolidated list of 18 cybercrime offences under Part VIII of the Zimbabwe Criminal law. These include hacking, unlawful acquisition and interference with data, unlawful interference with computer systems, cyber-bullying and harassment, transmission of false or threatening data messages, dissemination of intimate images without consent, racist or xenophobic material, and offences involving child sexual abuse material.
Penalties for the offences range from fines to imprisonment of up to 10 years, depending on the severity of the crime.
Dr Machengete said the spread of incorrect legal information poses serious risks to public understanding and compliance. “The circulation of misinformation creates confusion and undermines compliance and public understanding of the law,” he said.
He urged the public, organisations and media practitioners to exercise due diligence before publishing or sharing legal information. “POTRAZ urges the public, organisations and media outlets to verify legal information through official sources before publishing or sharing it,” said Dr Machengete.
The Director General added that Zimbabwe’s cybercrime provisions are consistent with international legal standards.
“It is also important for the public to know that Zimbabwe is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, 2024, and that the provisions of the Criminal Code are aligned with international law,” he said.
