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Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has urged developed countries to support African nations in their fight against corruption by providing timely legal assistance and repatriating proceeds of crime.
Speaking at the Africa Anti-Corruption Day commemorations held at Africa Unity Square in Harare, 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 are being held under the theme ‘Effective Whistle Blowers Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption.”
“Zimbabwe was ranked number 149 out of 180 countries on the corruption index. We reject this view and believe that the index is designed to perpetuate a global political order that undermines African countries,” he said.
“It is common knowledge that corrupt individuals in Africa do not hide the proceeds of corruption in their own countries. 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 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 growth,” said Mr Reza.
Officials from the National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and Transparency International Zimbabwe, among others, attended the event.
The commemorations started with a procession from ZACC offices to Africa Unity Square.
The police band and drum majorettes from Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana High Schools took part in the march.
Online Reporter