Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu,[email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) will be rolling out a multi-stakeholder awareness campaign in Beitbridge as part of its efforts to fight corruption.
Speaking during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemoration in Gwanda, ZACC chairman, Mr Michael Reza, said this campaign follows numerous reports of corruption at the Beitbridge Border Post.
“Ladies and gentlemen, starting this weekend, ZACC will be holding a week-long multi-stakeholder awareness campaign in the Beitbridge Border Town targeting travellers, cross-border traders, customs officials, and the public.
“This programme seeks to foster a culture of compliance and transparency, and dismantle the networks of bribery and smuggling that plague this critical port of entry,” he said.
Mr Reza urged citizens to comply with the country’s laws as compliance is the first defence against corruption and exploitation.
He said the commission has received several alarming reports of impersonators posing as ZACC officers along the Beitbridge – Bulawayo, Beitbridge – Masvingo and Harare – Chirundu highways, extorting vulnerable Zimbabweans through fake operations.
He said such criminals will soon account for their actions.
“I implore every Zimbabwean to abide by the law to avoid falling prey to these fraudsters. Compliance is your shield against exploitation. We urge all Zimbabweans to pay duty and other taxes to ZIMRA and get receipts when importing goods into Zimbabwe and desist from paying bribes to anyone,” he said.
Mr Reza said Matabeleland South, and Gwanda in particular, are pivotal to Zimbabwe’s economic and social fabric.
The province is home to the country’s busiest port, while Gwanda serves as a key transit route to and from Beitbridge Border Post.
Mr Reza said this strategic position exposes the region to significant vulnerabilities like smuggling and bribery.
“Rampant smuggling at Beitbridge fuels a web of corrupt practices like bribery among public and private sector officials as well as citizens alike. In most instances, citizens seeking to evade compliance with the law initiate these bribes, perpetuating a cycle of corruption,” he said.
