Zacc goes after US$1bn loot

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has said it hopes to recover cash and assets valued at over US$1 billion this year.

Zacc said it has since arrested 61 suspects accused of different graft-related crimes while 68 cases had been referred to the National Prosecution Authority since January.

“For asset recovery this quarter, investigations into unexplained wealth are at advanced stages and the commission is confident that by the end of the year the commission will have seized assets valued at US$1 billion ... The commission is on course and has made 61 arrests and referred 68 completed dockets to the National Prosecuting Authority,” Zacc chairperson Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo said in an interview.

She said Zacc has already secured two high-profile convictions, with former Zimbabwe National Road Administration chief executive officer Saston Muzenda and Karoi provincial magistrate Felix Chauromwe being jailed by the courts.

Muzenda, 48, was sentenced to 36 months in jail after being convicted of criminal abuse of office.

On the other hand, Chauromwe was jailed for the unlawful release from remand of three Vehicle Inspectorate Department officers in 2021.

“We have enhanced cooperation between the NPA and our Prosecution Liaison Unit to ensure that more cases are brought to trial,” she said.

“The commission has recruited and capacitated more legal officers to assist in the vetting of dockets so as to ensure that watertight cases are referred to court . . .

“We look forward to more conviction in cases that are currently before the courts.”

The Zacc boss said they will soon be dealing with the private sector, especially mining, civil society and non-governmental organisations.

“In 2023, Zacc will be intensifying the fight against corruption to the private sector, civil society organisations and the non-governmental organisation sector,” she said.

“The mining sector will also be under intensified scrutiny from both investigations for prosecution and asset recovery.”

She said leads that have emerged from various Auditor-General’s reports, will be followed up to ensure that the alleged culprits are brought to book.

“We cannot continue to have the same report year after year.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said that the commission will prioritise asset recovery involving high values, investigation of high-profile cases to ensure that 400 cases are completed and referred for criminal prosecution while also enhancing regional collaboration.