We need convictions to give public confidence, Zimbabwe anti-corruption boss says

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission boss Loice Matanda-Moyo says the country now needs to see people arrested for corruption being convicted to give the public confidence that Zimbabwe is serious about curbing the scourge.

She told the Sunday News that the commission had opened more than 600 dockets and about 100 had been fully investigated with 74 involving high profile figures.

“ZACC investigates and then sends the papers to the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority), but the Attorney-General is being brought on board to help fight corruption. We are bringing on board as many people as possible,” she said.

“There are high profile cases which include ministers, MPs, judges, CEOs and MDs; we are targeting everyone involved in corruption and we will investigate everyone. We urge all those with evidence which may lead to convictions to come forward.

““There should be convictions in court, but we need prosecution (NPA) to up their game. Once we start seeing convictions in court, it gives public confidence that we are not just doing a catch and release game.”

Several high profile people including former Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira, former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, the estranged wife of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry, have been arrested but the cases are still before the courts and dragging on leading to speculation that the arrests are all a political gimmick aimed at hoodwinking the public.

Matanda-Moyo, however, said ZACC was serious and would soon hire 60 special investigators.

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