No.8 DEEDS REGISTRIES AMENDMENT 91 Use of electronic data generally as evidence (I) In the event of any discrepancy between an electronic copy of a document lodged with the electronic registry and the material version of the same document that is lodged with the paper-based Deeds Registry, the latter shall be deemed to be the authentic record of the document. (2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law, the admissibility in evidence of any electronic data for any purpose under this Act shall not be denied(a) on the sole ground that it is electronic data; or (b) if it is the best evidence that the person adducing it can reasonably be expected to obtain, on the grounds that it is not in original form. (3) Information in the form of electronic data shall be given due evidential weight. (4) In assessing the evidential weight of electronicdataacourtshall have regard to such of the following considerations as may be applicable in the circumstances of the case- 92 (a) the reliability of the manner in which the data was generated, stored and communicated; and (b) the reliability of the manner in which the integrity of the data was maintained; and (c) the manner in which its originator was identified. User agreements The registrar shall, for the purpose of regulating the use of the electronic registry by registered users, enter into a user agreement with each registered user substantially in the form set out in the Second Schedule. 93 Registration of registered users and suspension or cancellation of registration (I) No person shall communicate with the Registrar through the electronic registry unless such person is a registered user. (2) An application for registration as a registered user shall be made in the prescribed form, and be accompanied by the user agreement completed by the applicant and the prescribed fee, if any, and such other information as the Registrar may reasonably require the applicant to furnish in support of the application. (3) If, after considering an application in terms of subsection (2) and making such enquiries as he or she may deem necessary, the Registrar is satisfied that the applicant(a) will introduce adequate measures to(i) prevent disclosure of the digital signature or password allocated to him or her by the Registrar to any person not authorised to affix such signature; and (ii) safeguard the integrity of information communicated through the electronic registry, apart from any change which may occur in the normal course of such communication or during storage and display of such information; 136 BY VERITAS DISTRIBUTED e-mail: veritas@mango.zw; website: www.veritaszim.net Veritas makes every effort to ensure the provision of reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied. 2017