ZACC Refutes Claims of Targeted Arrests

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has firmly dismissed allegations that it is being used as a political instrument to target rivals or former police officers, reiterating its commitment to impartial investigations based solely on evidence.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, ZACC Chairperson Michael Reza emphasized that the commission operates independently of political affiliations, and that arrests and prosecutions are guided entirely by factual findings rather than party loyalty or professional history. His comments come amid growing speculation and claims on social media and in some circles that ZACC selectively applies its powers to intimidate or punish certain individuals.

“Reports suggesting that ZACC officials are weaponizing their arrest powers to pursue retired police officers, businessmen, or political figures are simply not true,” Reza said. “People need to be disabused of that notion. There are no officials at ZACC who are for hire. When a person has committed a crime, it doesn’t matter whether they are a former senior civil servant or what their political affiliation is. If they have committed a crime, ZACC will pursue and arrest them based solely on the evidence.”

Reza’s remarks were clear and unequivocal: allegations of selective enforcement are unfounded, and attempts to politicize corruption investigations undermine public understanding of ZACC’s work. He stressed that the commission’s mandate is to ensure accountability, deter corruption, and uphold the rule of law in Zimbabwe, irrespective of an individual’s status, career history, or political connections.

Addressing the recurring narrative that arrests are politically motivated, Reza criticized individuals who seek to use their political affiliation as a shield against legal scrutiny. “Some people are trying to get by the back door what they cannot get by the front door. When they have been arrested and are being investigated, they turn around and scream politics, saying, ‘I am being arrested because I am a member of the opposition.’ There is no way that a person’s political affiliation is asked about when they are about to be arrested,” he said.

The ZACC chairperson reaffirmed that Zimbabwe is a free and democratic country, where citizens have the right to associate with any political party without fear of reprisal. However, this freedom does not grant immunity from legal accountability. “People have the choice of joining whichever political party they like. But there is no right that says if you are a member of the opposition or a retired police officer, you cannot be arrested. You will be arrested if you have committed a crime,” Reza stressed.

Reza also highlighted that corruption is a crime that affects all sectors of society, and its investigation requires a fair, transparent, and methodical approach. ZACC’s processes involve thorough evidence gathering, interviews, and legal analysis before any arrest or prosecution is undertaken. By maintaining strict adherence to these procedures, the commission ensures that all actions are defensible under the law and beyond reproach.

He further noted that public perception of ZACC’s independence is critical to the commission’s credibility. Attempts to politicize its work not only threaten the integrity of ongoing investigations but also diminish public confidence in institutions designed to uphold justice and transparency. According to Reza, ZACC’s impartiality is a cornerstone of its operations, and any claims to the contrary are baseless.

The press briefing also underscored ZACC’s broader mandate to foster a culture of accountability and ethical governance in Zimbabwe. By pursuing corruption cases consistently and without fear or favor, the commission aims to demonstrate that no individual—regardless of rank, status, or political alignment—is above the law. Reza emphasized that this approach not only deters potential offenders but also reassures citizens that public resources and offices are protected against misuse.

In closing, Reza reiterated that ZACC remains fully committed to its statutory role of investigating and prosecuting corruption impartially. He encouraged the public to support the commission by reporting instances of corruption and refraining from spreading misinformation about its activities. By separating fact from fiction, Zimbabweans can contribute to a fairer, more accountable society.

Ultimately, the statements from ZACC serve as a reaffirmation that corruption investigations are conducted on the basis of evidence alone, free from political interference. The commission’s stance is clear: anyone found guilty of corruption will face justice, whether they are a retired police officer, a businessman, or a member of any political party, reinforcing the principle that accountability is universal and non-negotiable.

Source- Bulawayo24