THE Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, has said that it's necessary to update the country's prison system to keep up with the rest of the world. He also mentioned the government's plan to review some of the laws that were passed during the colonial era and make changes to them, so that justice can be delivered better in various criminal justice institutions like the Police Force and the Prisons Force.
He made this statement today in Dodoma, after being sworn in as the Chairman of the Police Force, Prisons Force, Fire and Rescue Force, and Immigration Commission.
His role is to advise the President on how to carry out the responsibilities given to the President by Article 36 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, and to fill the positions in the Police Force and the Prisons Force as the President may choose.
"We really need to move away from the colonial-style prisons and start building prisons that reflect the values of a free and democratic country that respects human rights.
There's also a need to change our laws because the world and our economy have changed. Many of our other laws are still colonial, so there's a need to update them. This will involve all the people involved in this chain of laws and criminal justice matters," said Simbachawene.
Speaking at the event, the Dodoma Regional Judge, Dr. Juliana Masabo, praised the ongoing changes within the security agencies under the ministry.
She acknowledged that these changes are improving the justice delivery process and helping to reduce some problems, including delays in investigations.
"I admit that there have been many changes, especially in the prisons I have visited, in terms of Information and Communication Technology.
This has helped to process cases more quickly online, which has improved the efficiency of the judicial sector. However, there are also human rights issues. There have been major changes in our prisons, which have improved the dignity of the accused or inmates," said Judge Dr. Masabo.