Cabinet gives nod to penalise conduct which undermines Zim’s interests

Harare – Cabinet on Tuesday approved amendments to the country’s Criminal Code which seek to criminalize conduct that undermines Zimbabwe’s national interests.
In a post Cabinet briefing, acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the amendments were contained in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, 2022.
The Bill was brought before Cabinet by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
“The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, 2022 enhances the provisions of the Criminal Law Code in matters relating to the country’s sovereignty through the criminalization of conduct that undermines Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, dignity, independence and national interests,” he said.
The government’s desire to further enhance the protection of the country’s sovereignty and national interests is also in line with Chapter 2 (Section 12) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution which stipulates that the foreign policy of Zimbabwe must be based on the promotion and protection of the national interests of Zimbabwe and respect for international law.
The latest stance by government also stems from the need to engender responsible citizenry while discouraging growing traits of disloyalty, incessant and brazen interference by foreign governments in the local body politic.
In pursuit of a regime change agenda, foreign governments, mainly western, have splashed millions of dollars to drive an anti-Zimbabwe agenda on the global arena in collusion with their local acolytes including activists and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Such realities have woken up the government to the need to protect the country’s interests and its citizens’ well-being and security.
While the government is doing the commendable thing, NGOs and individuals that have been driving the regime change agenda through calling for illegal sanctions, tarnishing the country’s good name and engaging in various acts of sabotage, have, as expected, castigated the intended move.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has spoken out numerous times against the unwarranted meddling by Western countries in Zimbabwe’s internal affairs.