Tafadzwa Nyikadzino

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) have engaged in a nasty exchange over the handling of corruption cases, after the latter dropped charges aagainst the City of Harare employees who were involved in a 9 million street light tender case.

ZACC had arrested Hosiah Chisango (Town Clerk), Never Murerwa
(Supply Chain Manager), Denford Zhungu (Principal Accountant), Tawanda
Mutenhabundo (Engineering Technician), and Artkins Mandaza (Principal Contracts for fraudulently awarding the tender without following due processes. But their charges were dropped, development which irked ZACC.

In a statement, ZACC maintained that the accused individuals were criminally liable for fraud and should have their day in court despite the fact that their charges were dropped by NPA.

“ZACC respects the position taken by the NPA and acknowledges that it is the mandate of the prosecuting authority to institute and manage criminal prosecutions in Zimbabwe.

“The Commission, however, maintains that the accused persons are criminally liable for the fraudulent awarding of the tender and should defend their actions in court,” reads the statement.

The commission added that it would file new charges against the accused persons. But NPAZ hit back, saying some of the files that are brought to it by ZACC do not carry enough evidence for successful prosecution.

In a statement, NPAZ said successful prosecutions are determined by quality investigations that would have been conducted.

“NPAZ prioritizes thoroughness in its processes and does not rush to set down matters for trial that are incomplete or lack sufficient evidence. We work closely with investigative agencies to guide and support their efforts in ensuring successful prosecution.

“The success of prosecution is directly linked to the quality of conducted investigations. NPAZ takes pride in presenting only ready and complete matters in court, adhering to high standards and constitutional responsibilities.

The decision on how to proceed with cases rests on our constitutional prerogative to initiate criminal proceedings, and we are dedicated to fostering productive partnerships with supportive government agencies for a robust justice system,” Read the statement.

ZACC has previously accused NPAZ of failing to prosecute corruption suspects. This has resulted in the majority of them being released without any convictions.

Although NPAZ acknowledged receiving 314 dockets from ZACC last year, they revealed that some of them were not ready for trial.