Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Chairperson, Justice Loice Matanda Moyo stated that the commission will not hesitate to have individual and corporate assets acquired through illicit means forfeited

to the state, revealing that they have so far recovered 700 million Zimbabwe dollars, which was acquired without explanation.

Justice Matanda Moyo was speaking during a anti-corruption indaba in Harare yesterday as the country joined the rest of the world in marking the International Anti-Corruption Day.

She also emphasised the watchdog role of the media in fighting corruption, revealing that ZACC will soon honour journalists who contribute in the fight against corruption.

“The role journalists play in the fight against corruption cannot be over emphasised and as such, we are going to launch awards for journalists for their bravery in the fight against corruption.”

Stakeholders who attended the Indaba had time to reflect on the strides made by the country in fighting corruption, and also highlighted on areas they feel need to be addressed.

An international anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency International Zimbabwe representative Mr Nqobani Tshabangu commended strides the country has made in fighting corruption following the decentralisation of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s operations.

 “Government has decentralised the commission so that information can be accessed from all corners of the country. There is need to set up budgets which support anti-corruption strategies so that they carry their duties effectively. Citizens also need to be empowered. We call all forces to join hands in the fight against the scourge of corruption,” he said.

Speakers emphasised on the need to speed up the whistle blower framework if the fight against corruption is to be won.

Government declared zero tolerance to corruption and is currently implementing an anti-corruption strategy spanning from 2020 to 2024.