Multilateral Responses to Cybercrimes in the SADC Region: The Case of Zimbabwe and South Africa

Abstract

This study sought to understand the multilateral responses to cyber crimes in the SADC region with specific reference to Zimbabwe and South Africa. The research examined the concept of cybercrimes, its causes, motivations, and implications. The research further examined mechanisms and legislative frameworks available to curb cybercrimes. The qualitative research methodologies were used for the study. Data was purposively collected from information technology experts, academia, the security sector, lawyers, law enforcement agencies, journalists, and diplomats. The key findings of the research revealed that the understanding of cybercrimes is not consistent as the term has no specific referent in law. The study deduced that although cyber espionage, extortion, fame and entertainment are some of the motivations behind cybercrimes in the SADC region are attributed to high unemployment rates, especially among educated ICT graduates and poverty in general. The study also established that SADC countries lack a comprehensive legal framework to combat cyber crimes.