Zacc seeks prosecuting powers

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has requested amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act to give it prosecuting powers.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi tabled the Zacc 2021 report in the National Assembly yesterday where he said lack of a whistleblower and witness protection legal framework was costing the nation of billions of dollars.

"This is because most whistle-blowers and witnesses fear victimisation and decide not to come forward with valuable information. Zacc bemoans the delays in the prosecution of corruption cases and filing of unexplained wealth applications to the High Court."

Ziyambi said in view of this, Zacc has requested the review of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act (Chapter 9:22) to include prosecuting powers.

"The commission has also recommended that the Attorney-General (AG) assists the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in filing civil applications."

The report said proposals have also been made to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for the amendment of court rules to remove interlocutory applications which prolong prosecutions.

Ziyambi said Zacc looked forward to expanding its service delivery and visibility to rural areas in the country, as well as intensify investigations for asset recoveries.

"Zacc looks forward to facilitating the introduction of an anti-corruption curriculum in schools, the introduction of integrity committees in public institutions and local authorities, and the establishment of a compliance monitoring dashboard to monitor corporate governance compliance of public and private institutions.  In addition, the commission intends to undertake the national corruption perception index."

The Justice minister said Zacc would also improve media relations and sought to be capacitated to conduct higher level investigations.