Claver Nyuki

German Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Thorsten Hutter has urged the Zimbabwean Government to act decisively on corruption in the country which she blamed for the economic challenges the country is facing.

Speaking at the Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) anti-corruption indaba held at Crowne Plaza in Harare today, Ambassador Hutter lamented the alleged 'soft' approach by the responsible authorities to arrest and prosecute corrupt officials be it in Government or private sector.

"There is need for Government to deal with corruption in the country as it affects efforts to improve the country's economy,

"There is need to criminalise corruption in the country in the same way that perpetrators of rape or murders are handled," she said.

The Envoy also highlighted that corruption hinders President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-engagement process as other countries are sceptical in dealing with administrations they perceive to be corrupt.

She went on to stress that no foreign investors want to work with a country in which corruption is rampant and Government seems to be doing nothing about it.

The diplomat expressed her dismay at reports of corruption in Chimanimani with allegations that some individuals were stealing donated goods meant to assist families affected by cyclone Idai.

Ambassador Hutter added that it was her hope that Zimbabwe will deal with corruption and complement Government efforts to improve the country's economy and achieve its goal of a middle class economy by 2030.