The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has implored members of the public to remain vigilant during the government imposed 21-day lockdown for prevention and containment of the Corona Virus pandemic to fight crime.
ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said in a statement that the Commission was aware that in such situations, criminals create opportunities to commit crimes of which “such crimes disrupt the efforts of the Government to ensure the health and safety of our nationals”. The Commission urged members of the public to purchase all sanitary, health care products and equipment from supermarkets and health care facilities.
Following the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic the Government of Zimbabwe has imposed measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19. Such measures support the public health systems, safeguard the economy and ensure public order and safety. These include among others, implementation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID -19, the prohibition of hoarding of medical supplies, closure of airports and borders, travel restrictions and a national lockdown.
“The Commission is aware that in such situations, criminals create opportunities to commit crimes and such crimes disrupt the efforts of the Government to ensure the health and safety of our nationals.
“It is against this background that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is imploring the members of the public to be vigilant at all times and avoid purchasing substandard health care and sanitary products, substandard and counterfeit personal protective equipment and pharmaceutical products. Members of the public are therefore urged to purchase all sanitary and health care products and equipment from supermarkets and health care facilities,” Justice Matanda-Moyo said
She emphasised that the Commission is aware that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has received donations of money, medical equipment and medication donated by the individuals, the Business Community, Non-Governmental Organisations, International Organisations, and the Donor Community on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.
“In the past, there have been incidences of failure by the relevant authorities to account for donations of similar calamities. The Commission, therefore, implores the responsible individuals in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, from the Accounting Officer, those in charge of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies to put in place systems that ensure transparency, accountability and fair distribution of all the said donations.
“The Commission would like to warn individuals from embarking on any corrupt and fraudulent activities. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly. The Commission urges the members of the public to report cases of corruption in the management and distribution of the COVID-19 donations on the following platforms reports@zacc.co.zw, infor@zacc.co.zw, twitter @ZACConline, and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Facebook page.”
Where the Ministry requires assistance in coming up with concrete measures to prevent corruption and ensure accountability for all donations the Commission’s Compliance Department stands ready to assist, the ZACC chairperson added.