Corruption in Zimbabwe: A Review of the Country’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
Experts Criticize Exclusion of Foreign Public Officials and Principals from Corruption Fight
Loopholes in Anti-Corruption Legislation
In a scathing review of Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts, experts have slammed the country’s failure to criminalize corrupt activities by foreign public officials and the exclusion of principals from corruption investigations. The review, published in the latest edition of the University of Botswana Law Journal, highlights the loopholes in the country’s anti-corruption legislation.
Exclusion of Foreign Public Officials
The exclusion of foreign public officials from Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts is disappointing, said a leading expert on corruption. “It sends a message that corruption is acceptable as long as it’s committed by someone outside the country.”
Definition of a Public Officer
The review also criticizes the definition of a public officer in Zimbabwean law, which excludes foreign public officials and officials of international organizations. This creates a legal vacuum that allows corrupt activities to go unpunished.
International Comparison
In contrast, countries like New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom have criminalized corrupt activities by foreign public officials.
History of Corruption Scandals
Zimbabwe’s history of corruption scandals has seen high-ranking government officials implicated in graft. The former President, Robert Mugabe, was accused of pardoning perpetrators of corruption and even appointing them to higher government posts. This approach undermines efforts to combat corruption and creates a culture of impunity.
Principal-Agent Problem
“The principal-agent problem is at the heart of corruption,” said another expert. “When principals are complicit in corruption or turn a blind eye to it, agents feel emboldened to engage in corrupt activities.”
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
The review also criticizes the lack of transparency and accountability in Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts. Experts argue that the country needs to adopt a more proactive approach to preventing and combating corruption.
Quotes from Experts and Government Officials
- “Corruption is a serious threat to our economy and democracy,” said a government official. “We need to take a bold step towards rooting out corruption and ensuring that those who engage in it are held accountable.”
- “The exclusion of foreign public officials from our anti-corruption efforts is disappointing. It sends a message that corruption is acceptable as long as it’s committed by someone outside the country.” - Leading expert on corruption
Conclusion
The review comes at a time when Zimbabwe is facing economic challenges and widespread discontent among citizens over government corruption. The experts’ criticism highlights the need for Zimbabwe to reform its anti-corruption legislation and adopt a more proactive approach to preventing and combating corruption.