ZACC exposes 15 bogus anti-corruption organisations

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has revealed the existence of 15 fraudulent organisations posing as anti-corruption bodies, warning the public against falling victim to deception and impersonation that is undermining genuine anti-corruption efforts.

In a statement released on Monday, ZACC Commissioner Mr Kindness Paradza disclosed that members of an organisation known as the Southern African Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO), Edmond Nzombe and Loveworthy Nyamugunda, were recently arrested on charges of bribery and impersonation, respectively.

"Nzombe allegedly solicited bribes from a woman who had reported a corruption case, claiming he would coordinate efforts with ZACC officials, whilst Nyamugunda impersonated a ZACC official and demanded the release of his vehicle that had been clamped by Mutare City Council," Mr Paradza said.

He said the Commission has noted with concern a growing trend of unregistered civic groups masquerading as anti-corruption watchdogs, often deceiving unsuspecting citizens while tarnishing the image of ZACC.

"While the commission acknowledges that combating corruption is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration amongst stakeholders, this must be done within the confines of the law. Organisations misrepresenting their intentions undermine genuine anti-corruption efforts," he added.

Mr Paradza urged civic organisations wishing to participate in the anti-corruption drive to register under the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act [No.1] of 2025 and avoid encroaching into the legal mandate of state bodies such as ZACC.

He reiterated that ZACC remains committed to its constitutional duty as outlined in Section 255 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment [No. 20], 2013, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act [Chapter 9:22], which empowers the Commission to investigate and expose corruption in both public and private sectors.

The Commission distanced itself from the operations of several self-styled anti-corruption groups and warned the public to be wary of imposters. The 15 organisations flagged by ZACC include:

1. Act Now Against Corruption
2. Coalition Against Corruption Trust
3. Crime and Corruption Watchdog Trust
4. The Government and Anti-Corruption Trust
5. The Global Infrastructure and Anti-Corruption Centers Trust
6. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Citizens Taskforce (ZACCT)
7. Youth Against Corruption and Economic Sabotage Trust
8. Zimbabwe Corruption Hawks Trust
9. Zimbabwe National Advocates for Anti-Corruption Organisations Trust (ZNACO)
10. Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption
11. National Anti-Corruption Organisation (NACO)
12. National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ)
13. Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption (ZNAC)
14. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Unit
15. Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption

"The Commission is not affiliated with any of these entities and urges the public to exercise caution when engaging with groups claiming to be anti-corruption organisations. Any suspicious activities or individuals should be reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police," said Mr Paradza.

ZACC warned that any individuals or entities found impersonating law enforcement or regulatory authorities would face the full weight of the law.