Mandate and Functions of DPP's Office
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Zanzibar operates under a clear legal mandate with specific functions designed to ensure justice, fairness, and proper administration of criminal cases in accordance with the laws of Zanzibar.
Legal Mandate
The mandate of the DPP's Office is to institute and prosecute all criminal matters before any Court except Martial Courts in Zanzibar. In exercising the prosecutorial mandate, the DPP is duty-bound to regard the interest in the administration of justice, public interest, and the need to prevent and avoid abuse of the legal process.
This mandate empowers the Office to take legal action against criminal offenses while ensuring that justice is served fairly and transparently, maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Functions of the DPP Office
The Office of the DPP has the following functions as established by law:
Instituting and prosecuting criminal cases for offences before all courts except Court-Martial.
Taking over any prosecution originally instituted or conducted by any person.
Withdrawing any criminal case filed by any person or authority before any court.
Providing appropriate support and advice to victims of crime and witnesses of criminal cases in collaboration with other government agencies.
Providing legal advice to the investigation authorities.
Promoting, sponsoring and encouraging studies, public dialogue and other activities for the purpose of improving administration of criminal justice in general and prosecution services in particular.
Conducting training on any aspect of public law and criminal justice in particular.
Providing technical advice to the Government of Zanzibar on policy and law relating to administration of criminal justice.
Doing all things that are necessary to be done for the purpose of performing DPP's functions including coordination of criminal investigations.
Conducting any other activity incidental or related to its main function.
Important Legal Note
All functions of the DPP Office are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of Zanzibar and relevant statutes. The Office operates independently while maintaining close collaboration with other justice sector institutions to ensure effective administration of criminal justice.