Joint anti-graft unit to investigate councils

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have established a joint special task force to investigate suspected corruption in local authorities across the country following growing public concern over alleged graft in councils.

The move comes amid increasing complaints from residents over issues including questionable land allocations, procurement irregularities and abuse of office by some local authority officials.

Speaking during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemorations in Victoria Falls on Saturday, Zacc chairperson Mr Michael Reza said the task force was established in response to concerns raised by communities.

“We are aware of the issues that have been raised by the residents of this beautiful city of Victoria Falls. I would like to advise that, as Zacc, working together with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we have set up a joint special task force to investigate cases of suspected corruption in local authorities,” he said.

Mr Reza said Zacc has identified areas rich in natural resources as particularly susceptible to corruption due to the high value of economic activities taking place there.

“Matabeleland North is important to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and the realisation of Vision 2030. The province is home to Zimbabwe’s natural resources, including wildlife, forests and mineral resources that power the economy,” he said.

“The presence of these strategic resources exposes the region to corruption vulnerabilities such as criminal abuse of duty, fraud and bribery as individuals seek to exploit these abundant resources.”

Mr Reza said the commission is committed to conducting professional and impartial investigations, although some complex cases required more time to complete.

“I wish to inform you that our investigations are impartial. However, some investigations might take a long time to conclude. We understand that this can be frustrating to residents, but it remains important for us to be thorough and purposeful,” he said.

Mr Reza commended citizens for exposing corruption through whistleblowing, describing whistleblowers and witnesses as critical partners in the fight against graft.

“We appreciate the residents’ desire to weed out corruption within local authorities through whistleblowing. Whistleblowers and witnesses are the backbone of our anti-corruption efforts. Zacc, alongside other stakeholders in the anti-corruption value chain, continues to advocate for a robust law to protect these brave individuals,” he said.

Mr Reza expressed optimism that legislation to protect whistleblowers and witnesses would soon be enacted by the Executive and Parliament.

Highlighting progress made in promoting integrity within public institutions, he said Zacc had overseen the signing of more than 30,000 individual integrity pledges and over 100 corporate integrity pledges since 2022. More than 320 integrity committees have also been established and trained.

“Integrity pledges have been signed by senior Government officials, including ministers, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, his deputies and permanent secretaries. This demonstrates Government’s strong commitment to promoting integrity within the public sector,” said Mr Reza

He also announced that Zacc plans to establish a provincial office in Matabeleland North as part of efforts to decentralise its services in line with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda.

“This is aimed at enhancing accessibility, allowing citizens to engage directly with Zacc, report corruption and make use of our services.

“This is our way of ensuring that every Zimbabwean, from urban centres to rural villages, has a voice in the fight against corruption,” said Mr Reza

He said Zacc continued to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the National Prosecuting Authority and other Government agencies under the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach to strengthen accountability.

Mr Reza urged Zimbabweans to play an active role in combating corruption.

“Let us work together for a corruption-free Zimbabwe. I urge you all to refuse, resist and report corruption,” he said.