Political Reporter
Zimbabweans have commended President Mnangagwa’s zero tolerance on corruption which recently manifested in the dismissal of Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development Douglas Karoro from office on accusations of stealing presidential inputs.
In a statement yesterday, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda announced that President Mnangagwa removed Honourable Karoro from the position of Deputy Minister of Government for conduct inappropriate for a Deputy Minister.
Karoro is currently being charged with fraudulently acquiring inputs from Mushumbi Pools GMB depot worth US$73 300. The fertiliser, maize seed and horticulture kits he is alleged to have stolen with the connivance of the depot manager who is also facing charges, were meant for the Presidential Inputs Scheme for Mbire farmers.
People who spoke to this publication said that since his inauguration in 2017, President Mnangagwa has shown that he doesn’t tolerate corruption, especially from those holding high ranking positions in Government.
“The President has shown that he doesn’t condone corruption. All high ranking officials who were implicated in corrupt deals were dismissed from Government. The President’s stance on corruption is commendable and that will send shivers on others who might want to indulge in those corrupt deals,” said Ellen Tineti of Budiriro.
Tafadzwa Chakabva of Mazowe added that corruption was not entertained in the New Dispensation and he hoped that all corrupt Government officials would be dismissed and prosecuted.
“When it comes to corruption, President Mnangagwa doesn’t respect one’s political status. We have seen people like Obadiah Moyo and Prisca Mupfumira being dismissed from Government after they were implicated in corrupt activities. We now want the courts to complement the President’s efforts by prosecuting and sentencing all corrupt individuals,” said Chakabva.
Gilbert Madondo further said that Government leaders and all other Zimbabweans should take heed of the President’s stance against corruption and try to live a clean and smart life.
“If those in leadership positions, as the people of influence within our nation, conduct themselves with righteousness, continue upholding justice, honesty and peace, then the entire nation would be transformed for the better,” said Madondo.
Since 2017, President Mnangagwa has committed himself to fighting corruption and has since set up the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) to help fight the vice of corruption.
