Seventy Tanzanian judges, prosecutors, and investigators recently took part in an intensive Commonwealth symposium held in Dar es Salaam from October 2 to 4, 2024. The event was organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat and supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, with the primary goal of enhancing participants’ skills in handling cybercrime cases. This training is critical as the rise of digital crimes poses significant threats to individuals, businesses, and governments alike, particularly in a region where cybercrime is increasing by 25% annually.
The symposium engaged participants in hands-on simulations and group exercises designed to deepen their understanding of various cyber threats, including fraud, exploitation, and phishing. By examining the vulnerabilities of internet users in Tanzania, the judges and officials were able to explore effective strategies for combating emerging cyber challenges. They focused on practical skills for gathering electronic evidence that meets legal standards, a crucial element in prosecuting cybercriminals. The symposium included discussions on artificial intelligence-generated deep fakes, a growing concern in the digital landscape.
Justice Augustine G. Mwarija, a Justice of Appeal in Tanzania, highlighted the necessity for judges to be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of digital crimes and technical evidence. He stressed the importance of understanding both substantive and procedural cybercrime law to ensure informed decisions regarding the admissibility and relevance of electronic evidence. High Court Judge Lilian Itemba echoed this sentiment, noting the challenges of preserving electronic evidence compared to physical evidence, emphasizing that new techniques learned during the symposium would enhance their ability to manage cybercrime cases.
Elizabeth Macharia, Head of the Secretariat’s Rule of Law Section, expressed optimism that the symposium would have a lasting impact on Tanzania’s judicial system. She pointed out the success of previous symposiums, citing a 50% increase in efficiency in handling electronic evidence in one beneficiary country. Such improvements expedite justice for victims and lead to more effective prosecutions of cybercriminals. The symposium’s hands-on approach aims to empower Tanzanian judges and officials, equipping them to tackle the complex challenges of cybersecurity and contribute to making the internet a safer place for all citizens.
