by Daphine Zulu
Statistics from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) reveal that 400 cases have come under its investigations this year, up from last year’s 294, with high profile cases featuring prominently, and this alone is testament to the efforts that Government has and is still placing towards stamping out corruption in the society.
In as much as this fight against this societal ill remains a challenge in the country, more still needs to be done by all stakeholders. Unfortunately, the court of public opinion is to a larger extent downplaying Government’s efforts towards eradicating corruption, as it seems quick to persecute and present a verdict on the purported offender and yet fail to provide concrete evidence to assist authorities lawfully persecute the person.
The Government through the Constitution of Zimbabwe, already vowed to tackle corruption, by creating the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission which is set to deliver on the promise to purge the nation of corruption, in line with its motto to ‘refuse, resist, report,’ it takes a holistic approach by everyone concerned, more than mere talk in the public sphere to see through this vice.
The recent court cases against prominent persons such as former Ministers Samuel Undenge and Saviour Kasukuwere, former Zanu PF Member of Parliament, Psychology Maziwisa, Oscar Pambuka, Wicknell Chivhayo, the four RBZ directors has provoked mixed feelings in the public domain, forgetting that one is innocent until proven guilty.
As much as the courts of law have a mandate to prosecute, democracy also remains of paramount importance, and one cannot be prosecuted without proper evidence tying them down to the corrupt activity, the courts cannot manufacture evidence.
Maybe as a deterrent measure in addition to pursuing corruption cases in the courts, maybe it’s about time the country comes up with policies which ensure that guilty offenders are made to repay whatever they are believed to have stolen.
As Government and its partners continue to unearth and magnify cases of corruption, there is need to educate the public, advocate for stiffer punishments for officials who engage in corruption and present policy guides to aid stakeholders demand for accountability in the fight against corruption.
The government's commitment to fighting corruption goes beyond the rhetoric, the mere setting up of institutions and enactment of laws. Since the second republic, ZACC has been instrumental in enforcing repatriation of about $1 billion worth of funds; decentralised corruption courts - opening offices in Bulawayo with other provinces to follow in an effort to be accessible in most parts of the country; established a special anti-corruption unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet to improve efficiency in the fight against all forms of graft and to strengthen the effectiveness of national mechanisms for the prevention of corruption through this unit in collaboration with ZACC.
While the government will continue to be at the forefront of the campaign against corruption in the country, every citizen has a part to play. Everyone has got to be an investigator, journalist, and anti-corruption activist in order to fight corruption. Likewise the Constitution of Zimbabwe sets a clear national objective: Measures must be taken to expose, combat and eradicate all forms of corruption and abuse of power by those holding political and public offices.
