PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday disbanded the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) amid claims that it had become a white elephant, with some of the members allegedly involved in corrupt activities, while others were dabbling in factional politics.
As reported by our sister paper, The Standard, three weeks ago, Mnangagwa, through his officials, reportedly forced Zacc chairperson Job Whabira and his commissioners to resign so that a new team could be established.
Justice ministry secretary Virginia Mabiza is tipped to take over as Zacc chairperson once Parliament invites public nominations and interviews.
In a statement issued by Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda, Whabira resigned effective yesterday, while other commissioners were on leave pending finalisation of their exit packages.
“In the meantime, His Excellency, the President will shortly appoint a new chairperson in terms of section 254 (1) of the Constitution and request for nominees from the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders in terms of section 254 (2) of the Constitution towards the appointment of the rest of the commissioners,” Sibanda said in a statement.
Senior government sources said at least each commissioner was offered not less than $200 000 as exit package and two vehicles they were using to entice them to quit.
At the height of Zanu PF factional fights pitting a camp that was supporting former President Robert Mugabe and Mnangagwa, Zacc was accused of pursuing a divisive agenda in its investigations as it was seen to be targeting those who were backing the former ruler.
But after his ascendency to power, Mnangagwa established a separate unit headed by lawyer Thabani Mpofu to fight graft as he accused Zacc of being toothless.
