Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
LAW enforcement agencies and key justice institutions have said they are committed to eradicating corruption, declaring that restoring human dignity must remain at the heart of Zimbabwe’s anti-graft fight.
Speaking during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemorations in Gwanda last Friday, senior officials representing the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ) said the fight against corruption cannot be won without public vigilance, institutional accountability and the upholding of human rights.
The commemorations, led by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), ran under the theme: “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.”
In a speech read on his behalf by the officer commanding police in Matabeleland South Commissioner Stephen Kazingizi, Police Commissioner General Steven Mutamba said the ZRP has activated a “multi-faceted arsenal” for detecting and combating corruption within its own ranks and across the country.
He said the police internal investigations section has been empowered to act with renewed vigour; receiving complaints from the public with urgency, investigating them with precision and ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police stands shoulder to shoulder with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and all valiant stakeholders in this noble crusade. Corruption not only weakens institutions, it steals the future from our children, degrades the bonds of trust, and suffocates the very soul of our societies,” he said.
Comm Gen Mutamba called upon the public to report misconduct by officers without fear, urging all citizens to play their part.
“The battle against this malignancy cannot be won by the Government alone. The public, ordinary men and women hold an indispensable role in this struggle. Without the vigilance, courage, and unwavering commitment of the people to stand alongside State institutions, corruption cannot be fully uprooted from our midst,” he said.
Comm Gen Mutamba said in line with Section 219 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the police seek to uphold the supreme law of the land with unyielding integrity. He said the police force, therefore, expects professionalism, accountability, transparency and integrity among its officers.
Comm Gen Mutamba urged various stakeholders to join hands with the ZRP in safeguarding the integrity of the police force.
“Should any officer, whether on duty or beyond the call of service, stray from the path of probity, we urge you to report such transgressions without hesitation,” he said.
“Together, we shall uphold the rule of law, preserve public trust and ensure that the Zimbabwe Republic Police remains a beacon of justice and excellence for generations to come.”
ZPCS Commissioner General Dr Moses Chihobvu, who was represented by Matabeleland South ZPCS Officer Commanding, Commissioner Cleopas Moyo, said the correctional service seeks to become a torch bearer in the dignity-centred approach to fighting corruption.
He urged each individual to reject ill practices, speak out against injustice and uphold integrity to ensure a successful fight against corruption.
Comm Gen Chihobvu said ZPCS, as a key pillar in the justice system, would continue delivering on its constitutional mandate without fear or favour.
“Let’s build institutions that serve the people, not the powerful and raise a generation that knows integrity is more valuable than influence. ZPCS will not stand akimbo and fold hands as far as fighting corruption is concerned, rather our purpose is to create a correctional environment that not only ensures public safety but also respects and restores the human dignity of inmates through comprehensive rehabilitation, thereby fostering a more just and corruption resistant society,” he said.
Prosecutor General, Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo who was represented by acting deputy prosecutor general Mrs Rosa Takuva, said anti-corruption efforts must always uphold dignity and human rights.
She noted that corruption undermines trust in state institutions and said prosecutors must lead with integrity.
“It’s imperative that our anti-corruption efforts fully integrate a human rights- based approach for Zimbabwe to successfully combat corruption and unequivocally uphold human dignity. As public prosecutors, we are on the frontline of this battle,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.
“Our role extends beyond merely securing convictions; it is fundamentally about restoring public faith in our institutions, deterring future criminal conduct, and ultimately, safeguarding the human dignity of every person in Zimbabwe.”
Justice Matanda-Moyo said NPAZ continues to enhance its capacity by embracing technological advancements, and fostering greater collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other justice delivery actors.
