SMS/WhatsApp Hands off ZACC
EDITOR — It is worrying that members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) have been feeling unsafe while executing their constitutional duties.
There should be mechanisms to ensure that ZACC officers and commissioners are safe as they investigate cases of misappropriation of funds and corruption.
It defeats the purpose of their existence if they are going to be intimidated while exercising their duties.
In the 2016 report as quoted in The Chronicle, ZACC noted incidences of political interference, including threats by ministers, against officers.
This means that in every case before them, ZACC officials are forced to weigh whether it is worth pursuing or they should prioritise their own safety and wellbeing.
Questions should be asked of public officials who attack ZACC for doing its job, like Ministers who use their Twitter accounts for nefarious purposes.
Its independence is under threat unless they are cushioned through legislation.
Since it was established through a constitutional provision, I feel it is in the best interest of the country that they name these ministers and figures who have been threatening them.
Consequently, those named should be relieved of their duties.
If someone threatens officers from a constitutionally mandated commission, it means they have undermined the national constitution and the people of Zimbabwe.
They would have shown that they consider themselves above the law, a dangerous trait for people holding public office.
If anything, the behaviour by some people under investigation shows they are corrupt.
In the same vein, ZACC should pay the money they owe Zimra.
They need to lead by example and set a law compliance precedent if they want to bring errant individuals and companies to book.
By not paying the $5 million they owe, they are depriving Treasury of money that could have been used to cover costs. Moreblessing Muringai THE issue of cash shortages is killing the business sector for sure. What is the big problem causing the cash shortage? We all thought that once bond notes come all would be well, but alas it became worse. Tell us what is affecting the bond notes as well. — Baba Two, Mberengwa
I WOULD like to correct Prosperous Kamba, Kwekwe ref: Letters to the Editor, concerning hosting of Afcon by Southern African countries whereby he says only South Africa and Angola can do so. Remember Zambia successfully hosted the Afcon under 20 soccer tournament and four countries including Zambia and South Africa qualified by virtue of winning or reaching the semi-finals. Zambia has Levy Mwanawasa, Heroes and Arther Davis stadia and even Nkoloma which can all be used for such tournaments like the senior Afcon. Let us do our homework before before we comment. Let us do our homework before comments. Let us support our Zifa Chief too. — Christopher Shaba, Nkulumane, Bulawayo
Zimbabwe celebrated 37 years of Independence this week. I was pleasantly surprised with the turnout at the giant National Sports Stadium on Tuesday. It was another great day for Zimbabwe as children of the soil remembered the day made special by the sacrifice of many of its children. People should reverse their evil thoughts and rally behind the revolutionary party, Zanu-PF for bringing us the independence we celebrate today. — Pearson Tagarira.
The joining of dirty neo-colonial political partners won’t give them any chance to win in 2018 elections! It is only to the disappointment of the other lot on the political opposition landscape. Don’t waste your time imagining the politically impossible, that is, the MDC-T or Evan Mawarire whatever, winning. Zimbabweans are not given to short-sightedness and political absurdities. — Viper Choto.