Beitbridge modernisation to curb corruption

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

THE reduction in human interface which is the key component of the modernisation process at Beitbridge Border Post is set to be the game changer that will arrest manipulation of systems and curb corruption, an official has said.

Commissioner Edward Phiri from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) told the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC) in Bulawayo last week that they have made strides towards fighting corruption at the country’s busiest port of entry.

“At Beitbridge Border Post, we have a system that is meant to minimise human interface as far as clearing processes are concerned.

We take it that it will take us to a better stage in the elimination of corruption,” he said.

The Government last year proposed the introduction of drones for surveillance and patrolling after revelations that security was porous.

“Procuring of drones is now at an advanced stage and we will be seeing results as it is one of the critical projects that has to be delivered at the shortest time,” he said.

In a speech read on his behalf by the chief public prosecutor for Bulawayo, Mrs Tariro Rosa Takuva, acting Prosecutor-General Mr Nelson Mutsonziwa said there was a need for adequate resourcing of anti-corruption entities in a bid to curb corruption.

He said fighting corruption was a collective responsibility with Parliament having the responsibility to ensure the enactment of effective laws to fight against graft without which all efforts would come to naught.

Mr Mutsonziwa said investigating agencies such as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and Zimbabwe Republic Police have a duty to investigate thoroughly all crimes and corruption.

He said the National Prosecuting Authority has the mandate to prosecute, without fear or favour, all forms of crime and corruption while the judiciary has the authority to impartially, expeditiously and without fear, favour or prejudice adjudicate upon such cases.

“In addition, there are other bodies that play a complementary role in fighting corruption, these include but are not limited to Zimra, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the Office of the Auditor-General, however, in order for the above-mentioned bodies to effectively discharge their mandate it is important that they are adequately resourced.

I urge you as a key Government stakeholder to ensure that enough resources are allocated to institutions and personnel involved in the fight against corruption,” he said.

He said civil based forfeiture of assets from individuals in other jurisdictions was proving to be effective in fighting corruption. Zimbabwe has however, managed to get four civil forfeiture orders from the High Court.

“In two of these cases the respondents lodged appeals at the Supreme Court which were subsequently dismissed.

We have one case that is pending judgment that was reserved by the Constitutional Court, where the respondent is challenging the constitutionality of the asset forfeiture proceedings, we are hopeful of a positive result,” he said.

The acting PG said conditions of service for court officials needed to be improved.

“They have to be cushioned against the temptation of corruption.

The NPA is doing all it can to fight corruption under the current circumstances.

I wish to applaud APNAC’s stance and efforts in ensuring that there is eradication of corruption in the country as well as the continued partnership with the NPA and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system,” he added.

The NPA in collaboration with other investigating agencies has however, brought more applications for civil forfeiture in the High Court.

So far there are 60 civil based forfeiture cases that are being handled, four forfeiture orders obtained and one seizure order.

There were also three interdict orders obtained, four matters are still pending and four others had their judgment reserved. -@NyembeziMu