Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed government’s uncompromising stance against corruption, declaring that Zimbabwe will continue to tackle graft without fear or favour as the nation joins the world in commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day on Tuesday.
Addressing the occasion at State House in Harare, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic remains anchored on principles of good governance, institutional integrity and absolute intolerance of corruption.
He highlighted progress recorded since the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) in 2020, noting that close to 2 500 cases have been investigated, with more than 800 dockets referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and a 60 percent conviction rate on completed cases.
President Mnangagwa added that the country had recovered over US$20 million worth of assets acquired through corrupt means.
“The Second Republic, under my leadership, remains informed by our shared development aspirations which are firmly anchored on the unequivocal principles of good governance, institutional integrity and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. As such, I launched the first National Anti-Corruption Strategy in July 2020. Since then, close to 2 500 corruption cases were investigated. Over 800 dockets were sent to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution, with a 60% conviction rate on finalised cases. The country has also recovered assets worth over US$20 million procured using proceeds of corruption,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended both the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the NPA for their performance but urged the institutions to enhance their investigative capacity to eliminate public perceptions of a catch and release approach to corruption cases.
“I commend the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Prosecuting Authority for this conviction rate. However, more must be done to strengthen their investigative capacity and synergies to expunge the perception of a Catch and Release trend in our approach to corruption cases,” he said.
To accelerate justice delivery in corruption cases, President Mnangagwa highlighted that government had introduced Fast-Track Courts dedicated to handling corruption and economic crimes, ensuring that cases are resolved more efficiently.
“On its part, my government has introduced a Fast-Track Courts System to promote efficiency and expedite the resolution of cases, particularly those involving corruption and other economic crimes,” he said.
The head of state made it clear his government will weed out corruption without fear of favour.
“The Constitution of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, is supreme; no one is above the law. My government, will weed out and eradicate corruption without fear or favour. Under my leadership, corruption will never be allowed to derail or delay our ongoing quest to accelerate realisation of the national development agenda, Vision 2030 and a higher standard of living for the people of our country. Working together in unity and love for our,” President Mnangagwa said.
