By Rudo Saungweme
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has vowed to fulfil its duty of driving an anti-corruption agenda as promised by the New Dispensation when it came into power in 2017.
Speaking at a regional anti-corruption Indaba held today in Bulawayo, Commissioner John Makamure stated that ZACC board members have just been sworn in and the public must wait patiently for ZACC to deliver.
“I don’t want to claim that we have done well as ZACC. We have just been sworn in but to be clear, we are seized with high profile corruption cases that we are investigating.
“People expect 100 percent conviction rate when someone is arrested and investigation underway to lead to conviction.”
Makamure mentioned that the main problem is the quality of investigation and evidence tendered before the courts to achieve conviction.
He highlighted that the most common form of corruption is the abuse of office and that it is very difficult to deal with it since tangible evidence is needed.
“The most common form of corruption is abuse of office which is often difficult to convict. You need evidence to show that the abuse has occurred. Unless there are people who come forward with evidence, investigators will find it difficult to have evidence,” he said.
Makamure has recommended the use of whistle-blowers and cooperation in the investigative process adding that the whistle-blowers must also be protected.
“We need to protect whistle-blowers as ZACC has said it aims to achieve 99 percent conviction rate but we will never achieve this without cooperation of citizens. I am not doubting our capability as ZACC but we have reached out to citizens so that they can give information to us,” said Makamure.
The new commission has so far arrested two high profile people for abuse of office since it came into office.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister, Prisca Mupfumira is the first senior Government official to be arrested by the commission which was given arresting powers by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Former Principal Director for State Residence, Douglas Tapfuma was also arrested by ZACC on allegations of criminal abuse of office, concerning the importation of vehicles without paying duty.
ZACC has also revealed that it has 200 high profile corruption cases which they are investigating.
