'Anti-Corruption Commission will remain'

The Ministry of Home Affairs says the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commissioners will continue discharging their duties until a new commission is established under the new constitution.

Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi, who was addressing journalists at his offices, said the ministry has entered into an agreement with the current members of the Anti-Corruption Commission to remain in office pending finalisation of a new commission which will be put in place under the new constitution.

The new commissioners are now supposed to be nominated by the public through a Parliamentary Committee on Standing Rules and Orders, which will then conduct interviews in public before recommendations to the president for final approval.

Minister Mohadi said the process is expected to take some time and could not ascertain on the time frame a new commission will be set up.

"After the expiry of the previous commission, the due process stipulated above could not start immediately.

"Further, it takes considerable time to advertise, interviews, carry out necessary evaluations before submitting a list to the president for his approval," he said.

Asked on the issue of performance of the commission, Minister Mohadi said he is confident it is working towards reducing corruption, but indicated that it is difficult to measure their performance.

He said, "Corruption happens every day and we cannot give a measure to their performance. But the commission is independent."

There has been growing concern over the Anti-Corruption Commission's commitment to curb the vice as no significant cases have been concluded or brought before the courts.