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Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Reporter
All zanu-pf members implicated in corruption must face prosecution if there is incriminating evidence against them, Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Supa Mandiwanzira has said.

Addressing the media to mark the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day in Harare on Wednesday organised by Tolerance-Wise Consultancy, Deputy Minister Mandiwanzira said the exposure of corrupt activities by leaders such as former Vice President Cde Joice Mujuru was a reflection of a party committed to fighting the scourge.

He said there was a negative perception that the responsibility of fighting corruption was Government’s alone and called upon everyone to be a watchdog.

“We have just come out from our 6th National People’s Congress where our leader President Mugabe was very clear, saying we must nip corruption in the bud, those accused of corruption must have evidence gathered against them, get arrested and pay the price,” he said.

“Those corruption allegations tell you that in zanu-pf there are no sacred cows before the law and everyone can be subjected to scrutiny.”

Deputy Minister Mandiwanzira said it was the prerogative of the media to expose all types of corruption to achieve an economy which was able to attract both domestic and international investors. He said he was surprised by the number of corrupt activities reported while many people claimed to be Christians.

“It is important that as the media, you begin to play that role of exposing the corruption by bringing out the evidence,” said Deputy Minister Mandiwanzira.

“In an era where we have serious religious following, where a gathering is attracting up to 200 000 followers, it means everybody is more religious than before.”

African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption chairperson Mr Willias Madzimure said the country’s laws should be in tandem with the new Constitution if corruption chains could be broken. He said all legislators should declare their assets at the time of joining Government.

“Our laws in Parliament should be in tandem with the requirements of the Constitution that requires a strong Anti-corruption commission. We must declare our assets. We are actually in conflict with the Constitution by not declaring our assets,” said Mr Madzimure.

Former zanu-pf legislator Cde Bright Matonga said individuals were being involved in bribery because of poor salaries.

“If they are rewarded well, l do not think anyone would engage in corrupt activities,” he said.