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The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission says it is difficult to investigate alleged corruption in parastatals because the terms of office of its commissioners expired last year and it will be illegal for them to conduct any probes.Investigators at the anti-graft body cannot institute probes without authorisation from the committee of the Commission, which comprises commissioners and other staff.
Mr Denford Chirindo, the ZACC chairperson, yesterday said lack of funding was also hampering their operations. Many expected the body to move in to investigate reports of alleged corruption and abuse of office at PSMAS, and parastatals such as Air Zimbabwe, ZBC and local authorities.
Mr Chirindo, however, said the commission could investigate any matter with or without anyone making a formal report.
“With or without a formal report we can act, but we do not just rush to react without assessing the cases,” he said. “Usually there is an Act of Parliament and the President assigns a minister to administer that Act.
“There is also another lawful authority in the form of a board and all activities are audited. When there is a problem be it from the board, minister or the auditors and it is presented to us, we then investigate.”
He said for now, ZACC could not do anything.
“As for what is happening, what we are hearing and reading, we cannot start any processes because the challenge is the commissioners’ term of office ended on August 31 last year and their legal status has not been communicated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which administers the Anti-Corruption Act on behalf of the President.
We are waiting to be properly constituted. The issue of resources is also a determinant factor. Government and Parliament, which say zero tolerance to corruption should ensure that the commission is well resourced.”
Of ZACC’s commissioners, only Mr Chirindo’s term subsists, while Ms Teresa Mugadza, Dr Elita Sakupwanya, Mr Emmanuel Chimwanda, Mr Lakayana Dube, Dr Goodwill Shana and Mr Shepherd Gwasira have waited for close to five months for their terms to be renewed.
Airzim bigwigs reportedly prejudiced the national airline of US$10 million in a four-year aviation insurance scam involving top management.
At the centre of the alleged scam is Mrs Grace Pfumbidzayi, the Airzim company secretary, who is said to have authorised fraudulent payments to Navistar Insurance Brokers, according to BCA Forensic Audit Services.
The report recommends not only that criminal proceedings be instituted against those implicated, but also says the matter must be brought to the attention of President Mugabe due to its magnitude.
ZBC chief executive Happison Muchechetere and three senior managers are also embroiled in a multi-million-dollar double-dipping housing scandal that sources described as a four-year looting spree.
The for unprocedurally set up a housing scheme with mortgage guarantees from CBZ Building Society supported by US$1,3 million deposited by ZBC in an investment account.
Online Reporter