Assessing challenges faced by the criminal justice system in dealing with white collar crimes. A survey of Harare CBD, Zimbabwe. A Study period from 2021-2023.

Abstract

White-collar crime has become a significant challenge to the criminal justice system in Zimbabwe, particularly in the Harare Central Business District (CBD), where offences such as corruption, fraud, money laundering, cybercrime, tax evasion, and embezzlement continue to threaten economic development and public trust in institutions. Despite the existence of legal and regulatory frameworks to combat these crimes, their prevalence remains a concern. This research therefore sought to assess the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in dealing with white-collar crimes in Harare CBD, Zimbabwe. The objectives were to examine the forms of white-collar crimes prevalent in Harare CBD, identify challenges encountered by criminal justice institutions and evaluate judicial outcomes and sentencing practices. The research used a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from a sample of 35 participants drawn from key stakeholders involved in combating white-collar crimes, including law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption institutions, legal practitioners, and judicial officers. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select participants. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires and interviews conducted in Harare CBD. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that corruption and bribery were the most prevalent forms of white-collar crime, followed by cyber fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and embezzlement. The study established that inadequate resources, lack of specialised skills, political interference, corruption within institutions, weak inter-agency coordination, and lengthy court procedures negatively affect the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. The study recommended strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing specialised training, improving inter-agency cooperation, increasing technological capacity, and reviewing existing legal and policy frameworks to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing white-collar crimes in Zimbabwe.