Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Monday raised alarm over a growing number of bogus organisations and individuals masquerading as bona fide anti-corruption agencies, and warned the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
This follows the arrest of two individuals associated with the Southern African Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO) — Edmond Nzombe, who faces bribery charges, and Loveworthy Nyamungunda, who has been charged with impersonation.
According to ZACC, Nzombe allegedly solicited a bribe from a woman who had reported a corruption case, claiming he could coordinate the matter with ZACC officials. In a separate incident, Nyamungunda reportedly impersonated a ZACC official in an attempt to secure the release of his vehicle, which had been clamped by the Mutare City Council.
In a statement released on Monday, ZACC expressed concern that such actions not only misled the public but also severely undermined legitimate anti-corruption efforts.
“While the Commission acknowledges that combating corruption is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among stakeholders, this demands that all stakeholders, including civic organisations, operate within the law,” ZACC said in a statement.
The Commission reiterated that only lawfully constituted bodies are permitted to conduct investigations or take enforcement action, warning that any group or individual found impersonating ZACC or any law enforcement agency will face prosecution.
ZACC also said that SARACO was not the only group masquerading as an official anti-corruption body and listed 15 other organisations that it said were bogus.
It cautioned the public not to against falling prey to the organisations.
The organisations include: Act Now Against Corruption, Coalition Against Corruption Trust, Crime and Corruption Watchdog Trust, The Government and Anti-Corruption Trust, The Global Infrastructure Anti-Corruption Centres Trust, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Citizens Taskforce (ZACCT), Youth Against Corruption and Economic Sabotage Trust, Zimbabwe Corruption Hawks Trust, Zimbabwe National Advocates for Anti-Corruption Organisation Trust (ZNACO), Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust, National Anti-Corruption Organisation (NACO), National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ), Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption (ZNAC), Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Unit and Zimbabwe National Anti-Corruption.
ZACC urged civic organisations involved in governance and accountability to operate within the legal framework, including registration under the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act.
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