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ZACC has reclaimed a mere US$39m assets since 2019
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The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has recovered and forfeited assets worth over US$39 million since 2019, while referring corruption cases valued at more than US$217 million to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), in a major stride towards strengthening accountability and justice.
The milestone comes as ZACC prepares to launch its 2026–2030 National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS2), following an independent evaluation which confirmed a 61 percent success rate in implementing the first phase of NACS1.
Speaking at a strategic planning workshop in Nyanga yesterday, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza outlined the commission's progress and future direction, highlighting tangible results in asset recovery, investigations and prosecutions.
"I would also like to commend the Asset Recovery and Forfeiture Unit for the successful forfeiture of assets worth almost US$21 million, seizure of assets worth US$17 million, freezing of bank accounts of close to US$1 million, and the referral of case files worth a staggering US$217 million to the NPA," said Mr Reza.
"This is money being recovered for the people of Zimbabwe and a clear message to the corrupt that ill-gotten wealth is not theirs."
Mr Reza said the commission was now entering a new era of radical transparency to close the remaining 39 percent gap in the fight against corruption.
"The 61 percent success rate is a foundation we can stand on - proof that when we focus as a team, we can deliver. However, the 39 percent gap is where corruption still festers, and our economy continues to bleed," he said.
"We must transform from being a reactive institution that the public only hears about during arrests, to one whose prevention work, visibility and accountability are equally strong."
He underscored that public access to information and accountability would form the backbone of ZACC's next five-year strategy.
Highlighting the commission's performance, Mr Reza revealed that ZACC has maintained a conviction rate between 71 and 74 percent over the past five years - a testament to improved coordination with law enforcement and judicial bodies.
He said the forthcoming 2026–2030 plan would place a strong emphasis on monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that every level of the institution is accountable.
"The successful implementation of our 2026–2030 plan can only be measured by an uncompromising monitoring and evaluation framework ingrained in our daily operations," he said.
Mr Reza also warned against complacency, urging the commission's secretariat and partners to remain focused and aligned with the country's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 goals.
"Complacency is a luxury we cannot afford. Our work must be visible, measurable, and fully aligned with national priorities," he added.
The ZACC chairperson reaffirmed the commission's commitment to building strong international partnerships to combat cross-border corruption, while stressing the importance of internal integrity.
"As we hold others accountable, we must also hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity. Our actions must reflect our values," he said.
In his opening remarks, Dr Osbon Matunja, chairperson of ZACC's Risk Committee, said the ongoing five-day workshop was designed to critically evaluate the outcomes of the 2021–2025 strategy and chart a new course for the next phase.
"When one does not plan or evaluate their work, that organisation moves in the wilderness. The insights from this review will guide us in building a citizenry and institutions that uphold integrity and good governance," said Dr Matunja.
The workshop brings together key stakeholders from the Office of the President and Cabinet's Corporate Governance Unit, National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Judicial Services Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Their joint deliberations are expected to refine ZACC's strategic direction and reinforce collaboration among anti-corruption agencies in pursuit of a more transparent and accountable Zimbabwe.
The milestone comes as ZACC prepares to launch its 2026–2030 National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS2), following an independent evaluation which confirmed a 61 percent success rate in implementing the first phase of NACS1.
Speaking at a strategic planning workshop in Nyanga yesterday, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza outlined the commission's progress and future direction, highlighting tangible results in asset recovery, investigations and prosecutions.
"I would also like to commend the Asset Recovery and Forfeiture Unit for the successful forfeiture of assets worth almost US$21 million, seizure of assets worth US$17 million, freezing of bank accounts of close to US$1 million, and the referral of case files worth a staggering US$217 million to the NPA," said Mr Reza.
"This is money being recovered for the people of Zimbabwe and a clear message to the corrupt that ill-gotten wealth is not theirs."
Mr Reza said the commission was now entering a new era of radical transparency to close the remaining 39 percent gap in the fight against corruption.
"The 61 percent success rate is a foundation we can stand on - proof that when we focus as a team, we can deliver. However, the 39 percent gap is where corruption still festers, and our economy continues to bleed," he said.
"We must transform from being a reactive institution that the public only hears about during arrests, to one whose prevention work, visibility and accountability are equally strong."
He underscored that public access to information and accountability would form the backbone of ZACC's next five-year strategy.
Highlighting the commission's performance, Mr Reza revealed that ZACC has maintained a conviction rate between 71 and 74 percent over the past five years - a testament to improved coordination with law enforcement and judicial bodies.
He said the forthcoming 2026–2030 plan would place a strong emphasis on monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that every level of the institution is accountable.
Mr Reza also warned against complacency, urging the commission's secretariat and partners to remain focused and aligned with the country's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 goals.
"Complacency is a luxury we cannot afford. Our work must be visible, measurable, and fully aligned with national priorities," he added.
The ZACC chairperson reaffirmed the commission's commitment to building strong international partnerships to combat cross-border corruption, while stressing the importance of internal integrity.
"As we hold others accountable, we must also hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity. Our actions must reflect our values," he said.
In his opening remarks, Dr Osbon Matunja, chairperson of ZACC's Risk Committee, said the ongoing five-day workshop was designed to critically evaluate the outcomes of the 2021–2025 strategy and chart a new course for the next phase.
"When one does not plan or evaluate their work, that organisation moves in the wilderness. The insights from this review will guide us in building a citizenry and institutions that uphold integrity and good governance," said Dr Matunja.
The workshop brings together key stakeholders from the Office of the President and Cabinet's Corporate Governance Unit, National Prosecuting Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Judicial Services Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Their joint deliberations are expected to refine ZACC's strategic direction and reinforce collaboration among anti-corruption agencies in pursuit of a more transparent and accountable Zimbabwe.
Source - The Herald
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