Come to the office for clarity - ACC

MANZINI - The ACC is prohibited by law from discussing details of any investigation in the public domain, but the aggrieved clients can approach the commission for clarity on the matter.

This was according to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Spokesperson Jabu Phakathi, when responding to a questionnaire sent to her by this publication.

She said all matters which had been reported and investigated by the ACC were governed by the Prevention of Corruption Act of 2006. She said Section 18 of the Act prohibited the commission from discussing details of any investigation in the public domain.

The ACC had been asked to explain how it reached the conclusion that the matter could not be prosecuted. It was highlighted to the commission that this question arose from the fact that some of the aggrieved clients said they furnished it with all the evidence it required, including the alleged fake receipts that were without government’s stamps, among other things. In response, Phakathi said without reference to the matter in question, the ACC had an obligation to notify a client who had reported any corruption allegations on progress of investigations.

Again, she said it was also important to clarify that any case that had been closed, could be either due to lack of evidence of criminality or evidence warranting prosecution as some cases could be dealt with administratively.

“Also, the closure of a case does not necessarily mean permanent closure, since it can be reopened, in the event there is new evidence in the matter,” Phakathi said.

When asked about the claims and concerns that the decision to render the matter un-prosecutable was purportedly influenced by some officials in the ministry, Phakathi said the ACC was an independent body that operated without being influenced or directed by anyone. Therefore, she said any aggrieved client should approach the commission for clarity on matters that they had reported.