Mnangagwa promises to punish those mired in corruption

THE government will pursue justice without fear or favour, and also severely punish criminals - including public officials linked to graft, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has said.

In addition, Mnangagwa warned security officials that his government would not compromise on discipline and exemplary behaviour, which was needed during the discharge of their duties.

This comes as Mnangagwa has cut loose a number of high-ranking government officials, including Cabinet ministers, after they were mired in alleged cases of corruption.

Speaking at the official handover of the reins of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPSC) - from retired commissioner-general Paradzai Zimondi to commissioner-general Moses Chihobvu at Ntabazinduna Training School outside Bulawayo on Friday - Mnangagwa emphasised the government's zero tolerance policy
to corruption.

"We have zero tolerance to corruption … remain disciplined and conduct yourself beyond reproach … The law will take its course on anyone found wanting.

"Don't be caught on the wrong side. Desist from criminal activities in society. Crime does not pay and the long arm of the law will catch up with all criminals.

"In the second republic, justice will be pursued without fear or favour. Criminals will reap what they sow," Mnangagwa warned.

This comes as the government has stepped up the fight against graft, with several Cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials cut loose in the last few months after being accused of corruption.

Last week, Mnangagwa also jettisoned one of his bodyguards who was implicated in an alleged gold smuggling racket. Stephen Chenjerai Tserayi, a member of the Close Unit, was suspended following the recent arrest of the controversial president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), Henrietta Rushwaya - who was busted last Monday for allegedly attempting to smuggle 6kg of gold to Dubai.

Tserayi was among several intelligence operatives and police officers who were arrested after Rushwaya's appearance in court last week.

The arrest of several security agents came as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is probing deputy Health and Child Care minister John Mangwiro for allegedly arm-twisting national medicines and medical consumables procurer Natpharm to award a US$5,6 million tender to an unregistered company.

Mnangagwa, who has declared zero tolerance to graft, has so far sacked Moyo and former Labour and Social Welfare minister Prisca Mupfumira, after they were accused of corruption.

In addition, several other high profile individuals have been arraigned before the courts as Zacc clamps down on
corruption.

Former Energy minister in former president Robert Mugabe's Cabinet, Samuel Undenge, is currently serving a jail
term after he was recently convicted of corruption.

Also sent to jail was former Director of State Residences, Douglas Tapfuma, who was convicted of corruptly importing vehicles for his own gain. He was sentenced to four years in prison.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa also said on Friday that criminals had become sophisticated, challenging prison officials to continue upgrading their skills to be ahead of crooks.

He hailed Zimondi for his contribution in the transformation of the prison service, further urging Chihobvu to carry
on with that legacy and pursue construction projects to upgrade correctional facilities.

Mnangagwa also challenged Chihobvu to spearhead the promotion of female officers to higher ranks, whichhe said had not been fully implemented during Zimondi's tenure.

On the issue of food at prisons, the president said each prison was allocated a farm and Chihobvu should ensure maximum production at those farms.

"Every prison was allocated a farm. So, don't come to Ziyambi Ziyambi (Justice minister) or me saying there is no food," he said.