admin
Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has slammed developed countries for their double standards in the fight against corruption, accusing them of harbouring proceeds of corruption and frustrating African nations’ efforts to repatriate stolen assets.
Speaking at the Africa Anti-Corruption Day commemorations held in Harare on Thursday, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza called on developed countries to enact policies that facilitate the tracing and repatriation of corruption proceeds.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme ‘Effective Whistle Blowers Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight against Corruption’.
“Zimbabwe was ranked number 149 corrupt nation out of 180 countries. We reject this view and believe that the index is designed to perpetuate a global political order that undermines African countries. It is common knowledge that corrupt individuals in Africa do not hide the proceeds of corruption in their own countries,” Mr Reza said.
“Instead, proceeds of corruption are hidden in these same countries that shape the global perception on corruption yet they frustrate investigation efforts by delaying Mutual Legal Assistance on extra-territorial investigations
“We call on these countries, to exhibit the camaraderie (comradeship) spirit by cultivating a supporting environment that allows African countries to trace and repatriate the proceeds of crime without hurdles. Zimbabwe, like all other African countries needs her resources back to ensure incremental socio-economic.”
This comes amid revelations that Africa is losing, on average, US$60 billion annually in illicit financial flows and over US$140 billion to corruption.
Also present were senior officials from the National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Transparency International Zimbabwe and several other stakeholders.
A march from the ZACC offices to Africa Unity Square, led by a police band and drum majorettes from Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana high schools, preceded the commemorations.
According to ZACC records, corruption is widespread in the public sector and in 2023, 310 cases of fraud and criminal abuse of duty were reported, accounting for 52,35 percent of all cases received.
“In the year 2022, the figure was slightly higher, ZACC received three hundred and thirty-five (335) cases related to fraud and criminal abuse of duty.
“We believe this 7,5 percent decline, although minute, can be attributable to prevention initiatives by the Commission which include compliance and systems reviews, spot checks done in local authorities and public entities resulting in some arrests and strengthened operating systems, ” Mr Reza added.
In a speech read on her behalf by Chief Public Prosecutor, Lovack Masuku, Prosecutor General, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, called for the speedy establishment of whistle-blowers’ legislation to ensure their protection and access to legal assistance.
“They are our unsung heroes; — public servants and ordinary citizens alike, who at great personal risk, step forward to expose corruption. They are the voice for the voiceless, the catalysts for positive change. Unfortunately, these whistle-blowers’ often face threats, retaliation, and even violence.
“Fear of reprisal silences many, allowing corruption to fester in the shadows.
“As a nation and a united continent, we must create a safe space for those who dare to shine a light on corruption. Without whistle-blowers’, there can be no investigation, and without them, there will be no corruption cases to prosecute. The fight against corruption relies on whistle-blowers’.”
Speaking at the same event, Transparency International Zimbabwe, executive director Mr Tafadzwa Chikumbu commended the Government for its inclusive approach to combating corruption.
“I would like to commend the Government of Zimbabwe for allowing us, as civil society, to join hands with them on this important day to commemorate and spread the word in the fight against corruption.
“I want to reiterate that, as a country and as individuals, we also need to play our part as citizens to ensure that we have integrity in what we do.”
Online Reporter