MICHAEL REZA, ZACC CHAIRPERSON
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Harare Province recorded the highest number of suspected corruption reports in the country, accounting for 339 of the 517 cases received by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) between January and August this year.
According to ZACC in a perfomance statement by Chairperson Michael Reza, the 339 reports from Harare Province represented more than half of all corruption reports received during the period, with Bulawayo coming a distant second with 48 cases.
Mashonaland West recorded 35 reports, followed by Mashonaland East with 27, Midlands 26, Manicaland 21, Masvingo 14 and Mashonaland Central seven.
The high number of reports from Harare comes as the Commission continues to investigate suspected corruption cases across the country.
Based on the reports received during the period, together with investigations carried over from previous years, ZACC effected 195 arrests, while 128 cases were finalised before the courts.
Reza revealed that of the cases finalised, 90 resulted in convictions, while 38 ended in acquittals, giving the Commission a 70 percent conviction rate.
A further 325 cases are currently pending before the courts, while 919 cases were under active investigation across the country’s 10 provinces as at August 31.
Reza added that they would continue pursuing the cases under investigation to their logical conclusion.
And the Commission is also intensifying its focus on asset recovery as part of efforts to disrupt the proceeds of corruption.
“Asset recovery refers to the process by which proceeds of corruption are identified, traced, seized, confiscated and returned to the State,” Reza said.
It was also revealed that cases worth almost US$5 million have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for asset forfeiture proceedings involving unexplained wealth orders and civil forfeitures.
The cases are still pending before the courts.
The Commission also successfully secured both conviction-based and non-conviction-based asset forfeitures involving 14 vehicles, a residential stand and cash.
Under non-conviction-based forfeitures, ZACC listed assets involving Daniel Kalira, including a Toyota Hilux Double Cab, Stand 913 Mandara Township and cash.
Benjamin Nyandoro had an Isuzu single cab forfeited, while the Civil Servants Rebate Scheme involved eight vehicles, including a Nissan AD Van, Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit, Toyota Passo, Toyota Porte and Toyota Vanguard.
ZACC also listed Yvonne Musoni, involving funds held in school accounts, while Mathew Musengezi (Memory Shamu) had a Toyota Fortuner SUV forfeited.
Under conviction-based forfeitures, Nyandoro had a Honda Vezel forfeited, while Tanaka Chiwade had two Nissan Caravans forfeited.
The Commission acknowledged the role played by Zimbabweans in the fight against corruption and urged citizens to continue reporting suspected cases.
ZACC said reports can be made through its offices in the 10 provinces or through its digital platforms, including WhatsApp, its website and official social media handles.
The Commission said it remained committed to combating corruption, inculcating integrity and promoting accountability in Zimbabwe.
