By Meshia Mambo
Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo has warned that corruption is draining billions of dollars from Zimbabwe’s economy diverting money meant for hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure while undermining the country’s development.
Speaking at the launch of the Integrity and Accountability Summit in Harare on Wednesday, Matanda-Moyo described corruption as a “hydra-headed monster” that requires a coordinated response from government institutions, the private sector and the public.
She said the fight against corruption could not be left to a single institution, stressing that every stage of the justice system had a role to play.
“The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe cannot operate in isolation,” she said.
“Corruption diverts resources meant for hospitals, schools and infrastructure to illicit pockets, thereby denying our citizens the services they deserve and impeding our national development agenda.”
Matanda-Moyo said combating graft was a collective responsibility that extended from reporting suspected wrongdoing to investigations, prosecutions, asset recovery and preventing illicit financial flows.
“The fight against corruption is a relay race, not a solo sprint,” she said.
“It begins with vigilance and reporting, moves through meticulous investigation, robust prosecution and culminates in asset recovery and the closure of illicit financial flows. Each stage demands specialised expertise and collaboration among agencies.”
Her remarks come amid growing concern over the scale of corruption in Zimbabwe, with estimates suggesting the country loses more than US$2 billion annually through graft and illicit financial flows.
Despite repeated pledges by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stamp out corruption since taking office, critics say high-profile cases often fail to result in convictions.
In 2024, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga described corruption as a national security threat that was weakening the rule of law and eroding public confidence in state institutions.
Matanda-Moyo acknowledged that the anti-corruption campaign continues to face significant challenges, including limited resources, the need for greater technical capacity and stronger protection for whistleblowers who expose corruption.
She also highlighted the growing complexity of grand corruption and cross-border illicit financial flows, saying these required more sophisticated investigative methods and stronger international cooperation.
However, she said there had been notable progress in the prosecution of corruption cases.
“We have seen an encouraging increase in conviction rates, testament to the dedication of our prosecutors and the improved synergy with our investigative partners,” she said.
“The government’s continued support, exemplified by increased budgetary allocations for anti-corruption efforts and partnerships with international bodies like the Basel Institute on Governance for asset recovery, underscores the political will to tackle this menace head-on.”
Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Robert Mazungunye urged Zimbabweans to embrace integrity in both public and private life, saying the fight against corruption depended on a culture of accountability.
“Public officials must uphold integrity, act in the public interest and adhere to ethical conduct,” he said.
“Integrity is not a checkbox exercise — it must be ingrained in every sector, from classrooms to courtrooms.”
Mazungunye said transparency and accountability were essential to good governance and called on all Zimbabweans, regardless of their position, to make integrity a shared national value.
