Challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating Cybercrime: a case study of Bindura district

Author

Kuwaza, Luke.

Title

Challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating Cybercrime: a case study of Bindura district

Abstract

The study looked into the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime in Bindura District. The study was guided by three theories namely: the Routine Activities Theory; the Social Learning Theory; and the Deterrence Theory to understand the dynamics behind cybercrime and how it can be managed. Literature from other authors was also presented, focusing on the global economic impact of cybercrime; international response to cybercrime; African regional perspectives; challenges of combating cybercrime; the effectiveness of the approaches in combating cybercrime; and strategies in combating cybercrime. The research design for this study was descriptive, aimed at providing a detailed account of the challenges that law enforcement agencies faced in Bindura District. Purposive convenience sampling was used to come up with the sample of 25 questionnaire respondents and 5 key informants from among the law enforcement agents responsible for cybercrime management in Bindura District. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to interpret data from tables and figures. Major findings included that law enforcement agents face a number of challenges in combating cybercrime including lack of specialized training; insufficient funding/resources; rapidly evolving cyber threats; jurisdictional limitations; difficulty in digital evidence collection; and lack of coordination with international agencies. The study also found out that: law enforcement agents in Bindura District face difficulties in obtaining digital evidence from tech companies; cybercrime cases are not always reported on time in Bindura District, which complicates efforts by law enforcement agents to respond to the crimes timeously and effectively; and Law enforcement personnel in Bindura District largely lack proper cybercrime training. In addition to that, the study found out that law enforcement agents in Bindura District struggled the most with the following cybercrimes: phishing; malware attacks; financial fraud; data breaches; hacking; and darknet and cryptocurrency crimes. The study recommended, among other recommendations that, the Government of Zimbabwe reforms cyber security policies to allow law enforcement agents to adequately deal with cybercrime; the Government of Zimbabwe collaborates with other nations in allowing for more international cooperation in handling cybercrime given that many of the cybercrimes are committed by people beyond the borders of Zimbabwe; law enforcement agencies such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police prioritise making cyber security training mandatory for all new law enforcement agents; and that the ZRP, in collaboration with other stakeholders, needs to carry out awareness campaigns to educate the public on cyber security and cybercrime.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Law Enforcement

Cybercrime

Combate

Supervisor

Mrs. Gopo.