MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has warned public officials that no one should be shielded from corruption investigations because of their position or status, urging the office bearers to turn integrity pledges into action.
Speaking at a Gweru City Council staff and councilors Integrity Pledge signing ceremony at Town House this week, ZACC Midlands provincial head Simbarashe Zvidzai said the commission would pursue corruption allegations without fear or favour.
“ZACC investigates all allegations of corruption despite political or societal status. Those in public office should also be cautious about accepting gifts and should follow the relevant procedures,” Zvidzai said.
The pledge commits public officials to ethical conduct, accountability and transparency.
Gweru Town Clerk Livingston Churu said the pledge should shape the daily conduct of councilors and council employees rather than remain a ceremonial commitment.
“The pledge should impact daily practices for public servants,” Churu said, linking ethical conduct to improved service delivery.
However, Ward 7 Councillor Hlupheko Marufu questioned whether anti-corruption enforcement was being applied consistently, arguing that lower level offenders appeared to face greater scrutiny while senior officials accused of corruption escaped accountability.
His concerns reinforce calls for ZACC and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that accountability applies equally to all public officials, regardless of rank or political connections.
ZACC’s mandate includes investigating and exposing corruption, promoting ethical conduct and referring suspected criminal cases for prosecution.
For the pledge to have a meaningful impact, public institutions must strengthen internal controls, enforce conflict-of-interest rules, conduct regular audits and provide safe channels for reporting corruption.
Government must also ensure that ZACC has adequate resources and operational independence to investigate allegations promptly and transparently.
