1. Criminal Appeals

The Section represents the State in appeals against conviction and sentence by accused persons, before the High Court and Supreme Court. It also initiates appeals on behalf of the Prosecutor-General in cases involving:

• Acquittals based on errors of law
• Unduly lenient sentences
• Incompetent sentences

2. Bail Appeals

The Appeals Section handles appeals against refusal or grant of bail pending trial, and applications for bail pending appeal after conviction. In such matters, the Section assesses whether or not the lower court properly exercised its discretion in accordance with the law.

3. Constitutional Matters

The Section represents the State in constitutional matters before the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe and other superior courts. These cases may involve:

• Alleged violations of fundamental rights and freedoms
• Constitutional challenges to legislation or criminal proceedings
• Referrals of constitutional questions from lower courts
• Applications for direct access

4. Review Applications

The Appeals Section manages review proceedings concerning procedural irregularities occurring during criminal trials.

5. Condonations & Reinstatement

The Section handles applications for:

• Extension of time to file appeals or applications
• Reinstatement of appeals dismissed for failure to comply with court rules (e.g., failure to pay for preparation of record, or to file heads of argument on time)

6. Public Complaints

Working closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Section, the Appeals Section assesses complaints from members of the public, especially regarding acquittals or disputed decisions, and determines whether the matters are appealable. On matters that are appealable, the Section seeks leave of the higher courts to appeal.