By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in fraudulent organizations and individuals masquerading as legitimate anti-corruption agencies.
The commission urged vigilance and advised citizens to report any suspicious activity linked to fake groups or imposters.
This warning comes in the wake of recent arrests involving individuals associated with the Southern African Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO). Edmond Nzombe, one of the suspects, faces charges of bribery, while Loveworthy Nyamungunda has been charged with impersonation.
According to ZACC, Nzombe allegedly solicited a bribe from a woman who had reported a corruption case, claiming he could facilitate the matter with ZACC officials. In a separate incident, Nyamungunda reportedly impersonated a ZACC official in an attempt to secure the release of his vehicle, which had been clamped by Mutare City Council.
In a statement released on Monday, ZACC expressed deep concern over these activities, emphasizing that such actions not only deceive the public but also pose a serious threat to the integrity of genuine anti-corruption efforts.
“While the Commission acknowledges that combating corruption is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among stakeholders, this demands that all stakeholders, including civic organizations, operate within the law,” said ZACC.
The commission reiterated that only properly constituted bodies are authorized to conduct investigations or enforce anti-corruption measures. It further warned that any individual or group impersonating ZACC or law enforcement agencies will face prosecution.
ZACC also revealed that SARACO is not the only organization engaged in such deceptive practices. The commission listed 15 other bogus organizations, cautioning the public to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to these groups. The organizations include names such as Act Now Against Corruption, Coalition Against Corruption Trust, Crime and Corruption Watchdog Trust, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Citizens Taskforce (ZACCT), Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust, and others.
The commission urged civic organizations involved in governance, accountability, and anti-corruption initiatives to operate strictly within the legal framework, including registration under the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act.
ZACC’s warning underscores the importance of vigilance among Zimbabweans to protect the integrity of genuine anti-corruption efforts and to prevent unscr