The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has said it recovered assets worth more than US$25 million from January to August 2022 through its asset recovery and forfeiture unit.
Assets that the anti-graft body recovered include houses, residential stands and vehicles. Cash recoveries are also expected.
ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure told the Chronicle that the commission has now shifted its focus to high-profile cases for investigation. He said:
ZACC has recovered assets worth more than US$25 million from January to date through its asset recovery and forfeiture unit. We have exceeded recovering assets worth US$25million. We are focusing on high-profile cases.
Once assets have been seized we hand over the investigation docket to the National Prosecuting Authority which has the mandate to make an application to the High Court for the forfeiture of the assets. Forfeited assets are managed by the Asset Management Unit housed at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Cash is remitted to Treasury.
Makamure added that ZACC also relies on Auditor General’s reports as well as whistleblowers to trace corruption cases.
Over 40 high-profile cases whose investigations were completed are pending before the courts, according to the Chronicle.
Recently, ZACC seized 22 haulage trucks and two luxury vehicles belonging to ZANU PF’s Gokwe-Nembudziya Member of Parliament, Justice Mayor Wadyajena’s on allegations that they were acquired through proceeds from corruption.
Wadyajena and his accomplices, Cottco managing director Pious Manamike, marketing manager Maxmore Njanji, Fortunate Molai also of Cottco and Chiedza Danha, director for Pierpont Moncroix Mauritius were arrested by Zacc two weeks ago over fraud involving US$5.8 million.
The matter is before the courts, yet, he travelled to Europe for official government business.
While the recovery is commendable, it also signifies how deeply entrenched corruption is in Zimbabwe. Over the years, Zimbabwe has constantly featured on the list of countries with high levels of corruption globally.