MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU – The Midlands province is grappling with corruption, and authorities are urging citizens to report suspicious activities and cooperate with investigations.
According to Simbarashe Zvidzai, the head of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in the Midlands province where 33 corruption cases were reported in 2024.
Out of these, 11 investigations have been completed and forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution.
Zvidzai stated that the investigations have resulted in two convictions and one acquittal, while four cases were dropped due to lack of evidence.
He emphasized the importance of community involvement in fighting corruption, stating that it requires a collective effort.
“We urge the residents to work hand in hand with the commission to fight the corruption scourge in the country,” Zvidzai reiterated during the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) anti-corruption stakeholders meeting in Mkoba suburb last week.
Gweru district public prosecutor, Brian Muzemba echoed ZACC’s sentiments, highlighting that lack of community cooperation hinders investigations and convictions.
“Without witness testimony and sufficient evidence, cases often fall apart,” he said.
The NPA has also cited lack of cooperation from the community as a major obstacle in prosecuting corruption cases.
However, GRRA executive director, Cornilia Selipiwe expressed concerns over the “catch and release” approach, where small-scale offenders are targeted while high-profile individuals are roaming scot free.
Selipiwe emphasized the need to educate communities about corruption and the procedures for reporting it.
“Corruption has become a cancer in the country, hence we see it prudent to have these experts from ZACC and NPA come and appraise residents about corruption and how we can help them nip this disease in the bud before it further destroys our social fabric,” Selipiwe explained.
The issue of corruption has become a worrying trend in the country, with the former Gweru city council housing director and community services, Shingirayi Tigere, recently being dragged to court for criminal abuse of office.
