In a statement to commemorate World Whistleblowers Day last
Thursday, the Zacc boss said clamping down on corruption in the country was
going to be a tough proposition without the input of whistle-blowers.
“Zacc has managed to make 103 arrests for corruption in
2021 alone. Seventy-nine (79) dockets from these arrests have already been
submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority for prosecution. Without the
whistle-blowers, Zacc would not have achieved these figures,” she said.
The Zacc chairperson however, bemoaned the inexistence of
legislation to protect whistle-blowers, revealing that they were being harassed
after coming forward with vital information exposing corruption.
“As the world commemorates this important day, Zacc urges
policymakers to expedite the enactment of the whistle-blowers’ legislation.
Already, Zacc has received reports of victimisation of whistle-blowers that are
vital to the nation’s fight against corruption.
“The Commission is advocating for the necessary policy and
legal environment that fully protects whistle-blowers.
Part of these efforts include drafting a Lay Bill which has
been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office. We are fully confident that
this piece of legislation will be enacted into law sooner rather than later,”
said Justice Matanda-Moyo.
She revealed that the anti-graft body has since come up
with an online whistle-blower reporting application to ensure that
whistle-blowers can report corruption.
“The application is designed to ensure full anonymity of
the whistle-blowers. This year alone, the Commission has received 88 anonymous
reports on corrupt activities via this platform. To the whistle-blowers, always
remember that speaking up against corruption is crucial for a just world,” said
Justice Matanda-Moyo. Sunday Mail
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