By John Nhandara
THE National Prosecuting Authority, NPA, has this year forfeited property worth US$5,6 million acquired through corruption.
The government’s enactment of the money laundering and proceeds of crime act which provides for civil-based asset forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth has resulted in the recovery of properties worth US$5,6 million.
While launching the ‘Knock out corruption campaign’ in Harare this Friday, Acting Prosecutor General Nelson Mutsonziwa said there are also handling matters involving properties worth US$20 million.
“In compliance with the money laundering act an asset forfeiture unit with specially trained prosecutors was established and is responsible for instituting asset forfeiture cases before our courts.
“This year alone we have obtained forfeiture orders through the courts of properties worth US$5,6 million and currently, there are also pending matters involving properties worth US$20 million,” he said.
The knockout campaign is also expected to enhance and establish a framework against corruption, illicit financial flows, and other crimes in the justice sector.
“The knock-out corruption campaign is symbolic as it enabled stakeholders within the justice sector, government departments, and other stakeholders to join forces in responding to corruption,” said Tafadzwa Chikumbu, Transparency International Zimbabwe’e executive director.
“Corruption in the justice sector, whether actual or perceived poses a real threat to the rule of law,” said Tapiwa Chiwenga, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs-Director.
With regards to delays in the conclusion of cases, it emerged that the establishment of anti-corruption courts has enabled the speedy and timeous conclusion of cases.
A target was set that non-complex corruption cases be concluded within six months while complex corruption cases will be concluded within 12 months.
