Joint unit to probe graft in councils 

Source: Joint unit to probe graft in councils – herald

Herald Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have established a joint special task force to investigate suspected corruption in local authorities across the country.

This move comes amid increasing complaints from residents over issues including questionable land allocations, procurement irregularities and abuse of office by some local authority officials.

Speaking during the African Anti-Corruption Day commemorations in Victoria Falls on Saturday, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza said the task force was established in response to concerns raised by communities.

“We are aware of the issues that have been raised by the residents of this beautiful city of Victoria Falls. I would like to advise that, as ZACC, working together with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we have set up a joint special task force to investigate cases of suspected corruption in local authorities.”

Mr Reza said ZACC had identified areas rich in natural resources as particularly susceptible to corruption due to the high value of economic activities taking place there.

“Matabeleland North is important to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and the realisation of Vision 2030.

“The province is home to Zimbabwe’s natural resources, including wildlife, forests and mineral resources that power the economy,” he said.

“The presence of these strategic resources exposes the region to corruption vulnerabilities such as criminal abuse of duty, fraud and bribery as individuals seek to exploit these abundant resources.”

“I wish to inform you that our investigations are impartial. However, some investigations might take a long time to conclude. We understand that this can be frustrating to residents, but it remains important for us to be thorough and purposeful.”

Mr Reza commended citizens for exposing corruption through whistleblowing, describing whistleblowers and witnesses as critical partners in the fight against graft.

“We appreciate the residents’ desire to weed out corruption within local authorities through whistleblowing. Whistleblowers and witnesses are the backbone of our anti-corruption efforts. ZACC, alongside other stakeholders in the anti-corruption value chain, continues to advocate for a robust law to protect these brave individuals.”

Highlighting progress made in promoting integrity within public institutions, he said ZACC had overseen the signing of more than 30 000 individual integrity pledges and over 100 corporate integrity pledges since 2022. More than 320 integrity committees have also been established and trained.