Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
THE National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has registered a massive victory against economic saboteurs after recovering US$59 million in proceeds of crime in 10 months, easily clearing its US$50 million full-year target.
The figure was revealed yesterday by Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo during the official opening of the Authority’s Strategic Planning Review Workshop in Mutare.
Addressing senior prosecutors, Justice Matanda-Moyo said the milestone, achieved through the Asset Forfeiture and International Cooperation Unit as of October 31, 2026, sends a clear warning to criminals that crime does not pay.
“As of October 31, 2026, our Asset Forfeiture and International Cooperation Unit recovered US$59 million in proceeds of crime, exceeding our US$50 million target,” Justice Matanda-Moyo said.
“By forfeiting illicit assets, we disrupt criminal networks and protect the public interest.”
She added that stripping criminals of ill-gotten wealth remains central to protecting national resources, fostering economic discipline, and driving the goals of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) toward Vision 2030.
During the first nine months of 2026, the Authority handled 89 917 cases and completed 71 987, representing an 80 percent clearance rate and substantial progress towards its annual target of 100 000 cases.
The Prosecutor-General attributed this performance to the dedication of prosecutors and support staff, effective case management, deliberate institutional interventions and collaboration with justice delivery partners.
Beyond local asset seizures, the NPAZ achieved a flawless 100 percent clearance rate in Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), processing all 65 cross-border requests and establishing Zimbabwe as a top-tier performer on the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of Southern Africa (ARINSA) platform.
Justice Matanda-Moyo revealed that by the end of the third quarter, the NPAZ had completed 65 corruption cases against an annual target of 120.
She urged prosecutors to intensify efforts to improve the quality and timeliness of case preparation while tackling complex financial crimes without fear or favour.
“A person’s status, position, influence, or public standing must never determine how a prosecution is considered or conducted,” Justice Matanda-Moyo said.
The Prosecutor-General reiterated that the Authority remains committed to executing its mandate under Section 258 of the Constitution to foster a just, secure, and peaceful society.
