President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned against hackers with the judiciary system working on a digital plan to meet the new normal caused by COVID-19 induced lockdown.
The President was speaking during the official opening of the Southern African Chief Justices Conference and AGM in Victoria Falls today.
This year’s Justices Conference is running under the theme “The Judiciary and Technology in Africa”.
“The capacity of hackers and cybercriminals can only be ignored at our own peril,” he said.
“Security in the face of cyber-crime, which may threaten the efficacy and credibility of the systems, must be at the forefront as you develop means and ways of deploying computer-based technology in the administration of justice.’
President Mnangagwa also told the chief justices to give attention to accessibility by vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The Zimbabwean leader went on to say that lack of ICT connectivity and skills coupled with varying economic situations, should not unduly infringe on people’s right to access justice.
“Wholesome implementation of the new technology-based innovations, without taking into account such special needs of rural populations has the capacity to undo all our efforts towards breaking barriers to the access to justice.”
“In undertaking your work as the Judiciary, you have an obligation to ensure that no one and no place is left behind.”
Hackers this year managed to disrupt the supply of oil in some of the United States of America after attacking a pipeline company.
In 2010, a group called Anonymous claimed to have brought down government websites over WikiLeaks.
State-owned newspaper, The Herald’s website was also hacked in 2008.
