The law on protection of a whistleblower and witness in Tanzania

This work critically examines the law on protection of a whistleblower and witness in Tanzania. The discussion is centred on the invaluable significance of a whistleblower and witness in the justice delivery process and good governance generally. The study discusses the concept of protection of a whistleblower and witness as reflected in our legal regime by looking at the current legislations and policies. It reveals that the current legal framework is not comprehensive enough to cover all important aspects on this virgin area of law when viewed in the international context and perspective. Consequently, the administration of justice, particularly criminal justice delivery process has been adversely affected. The work contains five chapters. Chapter one sets out the general introduction, wherein the conceptual meaning of whistle-blowing and the role of a whistleblower and witness is underscored. Chapter two discusses the international initiatives and legal instruments on a whistleblower and witness protection wherein international “standards” and “best practices” have been discussed. Chapter three discusses critical and contemporary issues necessary for a regime intended to protect whistleblowers and witnesses. It also makes comparative study and analysis for the purpose of sharing experience from other jurisdictions. Whereas, chapter four makes the critical evaluation of the legal regime in Tanzania by exploring the problems whistleblowers and witnesses have been facing in the discharge of their moral and legal duties. Chapter five contains the main findings, recommendations and general conclusion. This chapter among others offers for substantial recommendations in order to have a better law than what we have today.