ZACC Responds to Claims It Only Targets “Small Fish”
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has come out strongly against criticism that it only targets low-level offenders while high-profile figures like Zvigananda continue to walk free.
ZACC said accusations that it focuses on “small fish” are false, arguing that it referred 343 cases to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) for prosecution last year, and 50 of those cases involved high-profile individuals.
Speaking to the Sunday News on Saturday, 26 April, ZACC spokesperson Ms Simiso Mlevu dismissed the criticism. She insisted that the commission does not look at social status when investigating corruption.
“It’s not true that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission only goes after the so-called small fish, as evidenced by statistics that show several convictions of high-profile individuals resulting from Zacc investigations,” said Ms Mlevu.
Mlevu also shifted part of the responsibility to the National Prosecuting Authority, saying ZACC’s job ends with investigations and arrests.
“It is important to mention that the responsibility of prosecuting arrested individuals lies with the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe. When a case we refer secures a conviction, we are pleased because it shows that our work is bearing fruit,” she explained.
Mlevu revealed that in 2024 alone, ZACC referred 343 cases to the NPAZ, and about 50 involved politically connected or influential individuals.
She further explained that ZACC often works quietly through its Parallel Financial Investigations Unit to stop suspects from hiding or getting rid of their illegal assets during investigations.
“Parallel financial investigations are done quietly. If we make noise about an investigation too early, there’s a risk that concerned individuals may dispose of their ill-got gains before we can secure them,” she explained.
To back its claims, ZACC pointed to several high-profile convictions that stemmed from its investigations. These include former Minister of Energy and Power Development Samuel Undenge, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Francis Gudyanga, former legislator Psychology Maziwisa, former Principal Director of State Residences Douglas Tapfumaneyi, magistrate Felix Chauromwe, Hartzell High School headmaster Shorwi Kawadza, Mutare provincial planning officer Fungai Mungai, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals procurement manager Antony Mutara and former Victoria Falls Mayor Somveli Dlamini.
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The post ZACC Responds to Claims It Only Targets “Small Fish” appeared first on iHarare News.
