Harare, (New Ziana) –There are no sacred cows in the fight against corruption which is derailing economic development meant to improve the lives of Zimbabweans, a cabinet minister said on Monday.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said this while dismissing reports that have sought to link the First Family to corrupt and criminal activities in the country.
“The goal of the Second Republic is to build a new Zimbabwe based on the crown values of honesty, transparency, accountability and hard work,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Measures continue to be taken to vigorously ensure that any and all criminal activity that prejudices the nation are stamped out.”
Growing the economy required a clean government, she said.
Reports linking the First Family to corruption, she said, were aimed at agitating Zimbabweans to demonstrate against the government as other economic sabotage attempts such as sanctions have come to nought so far.
Mutsvangwa said government had a zero tolerance towards criminal activities which had seen several top officials including ministers being arrested for abuse of office and other ills.
“Government will never allow its structures to be havens of malcontents and criminals nor will government turn a blind eye to those who seek to escape the wheels of justice through lies that they are connected in one way or the other to the First Family or other senior government officials,” she said.
Law enforcement agents must not be deterred from doing their jobs by criminals who sought to “name drop” in order to evade arrest, she said.
She urged the public to continue to report corruption and fraudulent activity.
Mutsvangwa’s remarks follow claims by a gold smuggling suspect last week implicating the First Family of involvement in the illicit bid.
Police intercepted suspended Zimbabwe Miners Federation President Henrietta Rushwaya at the airport last week allegedly trying to smuggle six kilogrammes of gold to Dubai.
One of her suspected accomplices, who was also arrested, claimed the gold belonged to the First Family.
Both the police and First Family have since dismissed the claims, saying these were meant to intimidate law enforcement agents.
New Ziana
