15/05/2026
At a dinner hosted by Transparency International Zimbabwe for fellows of the School of Integrity for Emerging Leaders, Commissioner Zalerah Makari of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and Simiso Mlevu, ZACC spokesperson, contributed to a frank and practical discussion on the realities of fighting corruption in Zimbabwe.
Commissioner Makari reaffirmed ZACC’s constitutional mandate to investigate corruption, recover stolen assets, expose wrongdoing, and strengthen integrity systems across public institutions. She highlighted measurable progress, including the establishment of over 300 Integrity Committees, more than 30,000 Integrity Pledges signed by public officials, and significant asset recovery actions.
Simiso Mlevu raised key operational and legal realities affecting enforcement, including challenges around securing admissible evidence, witness cooperation, and the risks of entrapment in investigations. The discussion also touched on broader structural issues such as defining who qualifies as a public official, especially in relation to parastatals.
The conversation further highlighted emerging threats such as cybercrime and the use of cryptocurrencies to conceal illicit wealth, making detection and recovery more complex. Concerns around politicisation of corruption cases were also raised, as they risk undermining public confidence in enforcement processes.
There remains limited public understanding of whistle-blower and witness protection frameworks, despite their importance in encouraging reporting and safeguarding those who come forward. While Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the ZACC Act provide a strong legal foundation, effective enforcement depends on clarity, trust, and implementation.
Section 49 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees personal liberty and security of the person, reinforces the importance of due process in all enforcement actions.
Fighting corruption requires informed citizens, accountable institutions, and a shared commitment to integrity across society.