Investigating the efficacy of existing laws and policies in combating human trafficking in Zimbabwe. A case study of Mashonaland Central province (2023-2025).

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the efficacy of current laws and policies in combating human trafficking in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe between 2023-2025. The study used a pragmatic philosophy and convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 55 respondents including Zimbabwe Republic Police officers, NGO staff, community members and local government officials through mixed questionnaires and qualitative data from nine in-depth key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, means and standard deviations were presented in pie charts, bar graphs and tables while qualitative findings were presented as verbatim quotes. The findings revealed poverty, unemployment and economic instability as the main push factors for human trafficking compounded by corruption, porous borders, low public awareness and lack of education. Legislative instruments such as the Trafficking in Persons Act [Chapter 9:25] and its 2023 Amendment and the National Plan of Action were rated as only partially to moderately effective, exposing a significant implementation gap. The main challenges identified were acute resource scarcity, systemic corruption, weak inter-agency coordination, inadequate victim support services and insufficient specialised training. The research found that Zimbabwe has relatively strong laws against trafficking, but operational failures and shortfalls in political will to invest in enforcement and protection undermine their effectiveness. Recommendations highlighted the need for increased state funding, mandatory anti-corruption measures, ongoing specialised training, institutionalised coordination and the creation of provincial victim shelters to narrow the gap between legislation and lived reality.