Mnangagwa declares zero tolerance for corruption

President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his government's uncompromising stance against corruption, declaring that graft will not be allowed to slow Zimbabwe's march towards Vision 2030. The President made the remarks in his address to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, observed this year under the theme "Uniting with youth against corruption: Shaping tomorrow's integrity."

The Head of State said Zimbabwe remains committed to good governance, transparency and the strengthening of institutions tasked with fighting corruption, noting that these values form the backbone of national development.

"Under my leadership, corruption will never be allowed to derail or delay our ongoing quest to accelerate realisation of the national development agenda, Vision 2030 and a higher standard of living for the people of our country," he said.

President Mnangagwa highlighted Zimbabwe's continued alignment with global and regional anti-corruption frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Agenda 2063.

According to government figures, close to 2,500 corruption cases have been investigated since the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2020. Of these, over 800 dockets were submitted for prosecution, yielding a conviction rate of 60 percent, while more than US$20 million in illegally acquired assets has been recovered.

The President praised the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ) for their efforts, but urged continued strengthening of investigative capacity to address public concerns about alleged "catch-and-release" tendencies.

To expedite prosecution of corruption cases, government recently introduced Fast-Track Courts, with the Second National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2026–2030) expected to widen cooperation across institutions and communities.

A Whistle-blowers and Witness Protection Bill, approved by Cabinet, will establish a dedicated witness protection unit and tribunal under the NPA. Meanwhile, more than 250 public institutions now operate Integrity Committees tasked with preventing, detecting and reporting corruption.

The President also drew links between corruption and the country's escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, warning that porous borders and compromised officials are enabling illegal drug flows.

"The theme, is therefore, a call for all of us to deliberately target the root causes of the drug crisis," he said. "Our alliance with the youth is key as they are not only vulnerable, but also part of our greatest asset in countering new forms of corruption."

Mnangagwa urged citizens, particularly young people, to play an active role in exposing corrupt activities and safeguarding the country's future.

"I call upon the youth to be guardians of integrity, as well as raise awareness about corruption and its impact on their communities and their future," he said. "My Government will weed out and eradicate corruption without fear or favour."

His speech came a day after the High Court sentenced businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe to 22 and 17 years respectively for defrauding the government of more than US$7 million under the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme - a case widely viewed as a critical test of the nation's anti-corruption commitment.

The President reiterated that no individual is above the law as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to build a corruption-free society.