ZACC, Local Government Ministry Launch Joint Task Force to Probe Council Corruption

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

VICTORIA FALLS – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have established a joint special task force to investigate alleged corruption in local authorities across Zimbabwe amid growing public concern over governance and service delivery.

The announcement was made by ZACC Chairperson Michael Reza during commemorations of African Anti-Corruption Day in Victoria Falls on Saturday, where he said the initiative was prompted by an increase in complaints from residents over suspected corruption in councils. The task force will focus on allegations including irregular land allocations, procurement fraud, abuse of office and other forms of corruption affecting local authorities.

"We are aware of the issues that have been raised by the residents of this beautiful city of Victoria Falls," Reza said.

"I would like to advise that, as ZACC, working together with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, we have set up a joint special task force to investigate cases of suspected corruption in local authorities."

Local authorities across Zimbabwe have faced persistent allegations of maladministration, including illegal land allocations, procurement irregularities, misuse of public funds and abuse of office. Residents' associations and anti-corruption campaigners have repeatedly called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of council resources. Reza said Matabeleland North Province, home to Victoria Falls and endowed with significant wildlife, forestry and mineral resources, is particularly vulnerable to corruption because of the high economic value attached to its natural assets. He warned that the exploitation of these resources could create opportunities for bribery, fraud, conflict of interest and abuse of public office if effective oversight mechanisms are not maintained.

While acknowledging public frustration over the pace of some corruption investigations, Reza said complex cases often require extensive evidence gathering before prosecutions can proceed.

"Some investigations take time because they must be thorough, comprehensive and focused on establishing the facts," he said.

He urged members of the public to remain patient and continue reporting suspected corruption through official channels.

Reza commended citizens who report corruption, describing whistleblowers and witnesses as indispensable partners in Zimbabwe's anti-corruption efforts. He said information provided by residents frequently helps investigators uncover corrupt practices that might otherwise go undetected. The establishment of the joint task force comes as Zimbabwe continues implementing measures aimed at strengthening public sector accountability and improving governance in local authorities.

Authorities say investigations will be conducted wherever credible allegations arise, with individuals found to have engaged in corrupt activities expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.

ZACC local authority corruption