The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) recently deployed a high-level delegation of commissioners to Beitbridge as part of a comprehensive anti-corruption awareness campaign. The initiative, which also aimed to restore public trust in the commission, focused on engaging border stakeholders and addressing growing concerns over impostors masquerading as ZACC officials.
The delegation, led by Commissioner Chido Madiwa and comprising fellow commissioners Kindness Paradza and Obson Matunja, conducted a series of public engagements targeting travellers, cross-border traders, transport operators, and government departments operating at the Beitbridge Border Post.
The visit came in the wake of complaints from travellers who reported being stopped and harassed by individuals posing as ZACC officers on national highways. These impostors allegedly demanded bribes and even turned people back to the border, prompting alarm among both local citizens and cross-border visitors.
“ZACC does not mount roadblocks. We do not search people on highways, nor do we ask for any payments,” said Commissioner Madiwa. “Our vehicles are officially registered and easily identifiable. Our mandate is strictly to investigate and arrest individuals involved in corruption—but we never solicit money from the public.”
The commissioners visited the Beitbridge Border Post to engage directly with travellers and transport crews, explaining the commission’s functions, and educating them about what constitutes corruption. During these interactions, ZACC also collected information and feedback to better understand the challenges and perceptions surrounding corruption at the country’s busiest entry point.
“We held conversations with travellers, bus crews, and border officials,” said Madiwa. “We stressed the importance of complying with immigration and customs regulations and urged people not to be complicit in corrupt practices. We explained how corruption undermines the country’s development and affects all citizens.”
ZACC Launches Awareness Campaign in Beitbridge to Combat Border Corruption and Dispel Impersonation Claims
Several issues emerged during these engagements. Travellers raised concerns about high duty charges and the complex, multi-step clearance processes at the border. Many expressed frustration over the lack of a streamlined, one-stop service centre, which they believe contributes to delays and opens doors for corruption.
In response, ZACC hosted a public workshop on Monday that brought together representatives from key border agencies, including customs, immigration, police, and various government departments. The session provided a platform for institutions to clarify their roles and recommit to integrity and accountability. Each department signed a declaration of integrity in the presence of ZACC officials, signalling a collective pledge to uphold ethical standards at the border.
Representatives from transport associations and passengers’ advocacy groups were also present. They used the opportunity to highlight operational challenges, including inconsistent treatment, bribe demands, and the lack of clear procedures that often push people to resort to illegal shortcuts.
To further expand its reach, Commissioner Madiwa appeared on a local radio station where she participated in a live phone-in programme. During the broadcast, she fielded questions from listeners and explained ZACC’s mandate, complaint mechanisms, and how the public can distinguish between legitimate officers and impostors.
ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu said the awareness campaign was launched in direct response to increasing reports of corruption at border posts, particularly Beitbridge, which is the busiest inland port in sub-Saharan Africa and a critical economic gateway for Zimbabwe and the region.
“Beitbridge was chosen for the initial phase of this programme due to the sheer volume of traffic and economic activity that flows through it daily,” said Mlevu. “Bribery and underhand dealings have become a common concern, and we are determined to combat this by engaging both the public and institutional stakeholders.”
She added that ZACC plans to roll out similar awareness campaigns across other border posts, including Plumtree, Chirundu, and Forbes, with a focus on public education, stakeholder cooperation, and intelligence gathering.
The initiative underscores ZACC’s strategic shift towards preventive action through public outreach, transparency, and collaboration. While the commission has often focused on investigations and arrests, officials say long-term success in the fight against corruption depends on community participation and increased awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
With its presence on the ground, the commission hopes to dismantle the culture of impunity at borders and empower ordinary citizens to speak out against corrupt practices—ensuring that Zimbabwe’s entry points are governed by integrity, efficiency, and rule of law.
Source- Bulawayo24
