LONDON, England – This week, an intensive symposium focused on enhancing the capabilities of Tanzanian judges, prosecutors, and investigators took place in Dar es Salaam, aiming to combat the rising threat of cybercrime and improve safety online.
The event, held from 2 to 4 October 2024, aimed to equip participants with vital skills to address cybercrime more effectively, amid growing concerns over internet safety for citizens.
Participants engaged in interactive simulations and group exercises, deepening their understanding of prevalent cyber threats like fraud, exploitation, and phishing, while also assessing the vulnerabilities of internet users in Tanzania.
Through various case studies and realistic scenarios, they explored innovative strategies to tackle emerging cyber challenges, including deep fakes generated by artificial intelligence, utilizing both domestic laws and international agreements.
Under the guidance of cybercrime experts, attendees acquired practical skills to implement internationally recognized best practices, safely gather electronic evidence for court proceedings, and enhance cross-border cooperation in prosecuting cyber offenses.
A Global Concern
During the opening of the symposium, Justice Augustine G. Mwarija, Justice of Appeal in Tanzania, highlighted the evolving nature of cybercrime as a significant global threat affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike.
Mwarija emphasized the importance of equipping judges with the necessary tools to navigate the intricate landscape of digital crimes and understand the technical evidence involved: “A comprehensive grasp of cybercrime law is essential for making well-informed decisions regarding the admissibility and relevance of electronic evidence.” He reinforced the symposium’s value in fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices among judicial professionals.
High Court Judge Lilian Itemba reiterated the critical need for such a symposium, revealing that cybercrime rates in Africa are rising by 25 percent annually, with Tanzania reflecting similar trends.
“Preserving electronic evidence presents unique challenges compared to physical evidence,” she noted. “We have learned about techniques like imaging and hashing, which are crucial for verifying the authenticity of electronic evidence in court. This will empower judges to make decisions grounded in reliable evidence.”
Practical Learning Experience
Participant John C. Mdoe, a senior resident Magistrate, commended the session’s practical approach, particularly the focus on authenticating and admitting electronic evidence, which he believes will strengthen his management of cybercrime cases.
Elizabeth Macharia, head of the rule of law section, pointed out the previous symposiums’ successes, indicating that one beneficiary country experienced a 50 percent increase in efficiency for judicial officers handling electronic evidence.
“This advancement not only accelerated justice for victims but also improved the prosecution rates of cybercriminals,” she noted, expressing confidence that the current symposium will yield similar advancements in Tanzania.
She encouraged participants, stating, “The knowledge and skills acquired will empower you to confront the complexities of cybersecurity and contribute to creating a safer internet for all Tanzanians.”
The symposium was organized in collaboration with Tanzania’s Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto.
Since 2018, approximately 1,200 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial officials from 55 of the 56 Commonwealth member countries have benefited from training provided by the Cyber Unit.
