Zimbabwe high-profile graft cases unfold

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has called for public patience as investigations into high-profile corruption cases continue, amid rising concerns that only low-level offenders are being prosecuted while prominent figures evade justice.

Prosecutor General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo made the plea during a courtesy visit by newly appointed Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) commissioners at her Harare offices on Thursday.

Responding to widespread public skepticism over the handling of grand corruption cases, Matanda-Moyo assured citizens that investigations are ongoing but emphasized that complex cases require time to build solid legal grounds.

"High-profile matters have always been dealt with without political interference," she said. "Such cases are often intricate due to the complexity of the evidence involved. For instance, the Abacha case in Nigeria took over 15 years to conclude. Zimbabweans need to be patient and allow our investigators the time they need."

Her remarks come at a time when both the NPA and ZACC face criticism over what some see as selective prosecution and a failure to tackle systemic corruption at the highest levels of government and business.

Newly sworn-in ZACC Commissioner Kindness Paradza also sought to reassure the public that a new era of decisive action has begun.

"The perception that ZACC is a toothless bulldog, known for catch-and-release tactics or being used to settle personal scores, is over. We are not here for that," Paradza said. "We are committed to giving ZACC the gravitas it deserves to effectively carry out its mandate."

The Second Republic has introduced a raft of reforms aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption, including the establishment of specialised anti-corruption courts and intensified public awareness campaigns.

While critics remain skeptical, officials insist that the ongoing efforts signal a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability at all levels.