Prosecutor-General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo has called on Zimbabweans to exercise patience as state agencies handle complex corruption investigations involving prominent figures.
During a meeting with the recently appointed Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) commissioners in Harare on Thursday, Matanda-Moyo emphasized that some high-profile cases require extensive time due to their intricate nature.
She highlighted how drawn-out such investigations can be by referencing the case of Nigeria’s late President Sani Abacha, whose money laundering scandal took nearly 15 years to resolve.
“High-profile cases are always handled without political interference,” she said. “They take time due to the complexity of the evidence involved. Once the investigations are complete, prosecutors proceed to court. The Abacha case is an example — it took over a decade to reach resolution. We ask Zimbabweans to be patient and allow the due process of investigations to unfold.”
Despite these assurances, public confidence in Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption efforts remains low. Many citizens feel that those with political connections often escape accountability, fostering a growing perception that justice is selectively applied.
The term “catch and release” has become a common expression of public frustration — referring to the frequent pattern where suspects are arrested or charged, only for the cases to quietly vanish before trial or conviction.
One such case is that of Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, who was accused of illegally seizing land from a widow to build a private school. Though there appeared to be substantial evidence, the case was quietly removed from the court roll — a procedural move that often results in a case fading from public scrutiny unless it is reactivated.
Another example is Hosiah Chisango, the former Harare Town Clerk, who faced corruption allegations related to questionable procurement practices. His case was eventually dismissed under unclear circumstances, raising doubts about the legal system’s independence.
Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo has also been linked to multiple corruption allegations, including controversial government contracts and leaked recordings allegedly implicating him in bribery. Yet, he has consistently avoided prosecution, reinforcing perceptions of impunity for the politically connected.
These instances have deepened public concern that Zimbabwe’s justice system applies different standards depending on one’s influence or affiliations — leaving ordinary citizens feeling powerless in the face of elite privilege.