Harare, (New Ziana) –Zimbabwe has recovered close to US$100 million in assets acquired through proceeds of crime, an official has said. Prosecutor General Loice Matanda-Moyo said this on Wednesday in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy Nelson Mutsonziwa at ceremony where the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) and the Southern African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (SAPNAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in combating corruption.
SAPNAC aims to coordinate, involve and strengthen the capacities of African Parliamentarians to fight corruption and promote good governance.
Matanda-Moyo said Zimbabwe has made significant strides in asset recovery, reclaiming over US$93.5 million last year alone, while achieving an 88.88 percent clearance rate for corruption and high-profile cases that were prosecuted in the High Court.
“Furthermore, the NPAZ’s Asset Forfeiture Unit successfully repatriated US$5 million, stolen from National Foods Zimbabwe and concealed in South Africa, as well as 13 million Rands embezzled from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CAT) and hidden in the same jurisdiction. These achievements demonstrate NPAZ unwavering dedication to pursuing illicit wealth across borders and ensuring the return of stolen assets, regardless of their location,” she said.
She said the PG’s office welcomes the recent judgement by the High Court allowing the State to forfeit “untainted assets” in the event that stolen funds cannot be traced, adding this sets a precedent which signals a clear shift as criminals can no longer expect to retain their ill-gotten gains by simply serving their sentences.
The MoU which the NPAZ signed with the SAPNAC focuses on technical assistance, capacity building, information sharing, and joint projects to enhance transparency and accountability.
The NPAZ achievements, Matanda-Moyo said, demonstrate the prosecuting body’s unwavering dedication to pursuing illicit wealth across borders and ensuring the return of stolen assets, regardless of their location.
Speaking at the same occasion, SAPNAC chairperson Themba Mliswa hailed the collaboration as a landmark moment in the fight against corruption, highlighting that SAPNAC aligns with AU and UN anti-corruption frameworks.
He emphasized the need for regional research-based corruption indexes to counter external narratives and strengthen homegrown solutions, adding that Zimbabwe is now a model for Southern Africa in fostering smooth cooperation between institutions like NPAZ, ZACC, the police and Parliament.
Mliswa reaffirmed SAPNAC’s commitment to ensuring that anti-corruption institutions remain independent and resistant to capture.
With Zimbabwe chairing SADC, Mliswa said SAPNAC plans to hold its anti-corruption conference in Zimbabwe, leveraging the platform to engage regional leaders.
The partnership marks a turning point in Southern Africa’s fight against corruption, setting the stage for greater accountability and integrity across the region.
New Ziana
