By Staff Reporter
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have demanded that the government investigate and arrest individuals implicated in the rampant corruption exposed in the recently released auditor general’s report.
Acting Auditor General Rheah Kujinga presented a report to parliament detailing severe corruption and mismanagement within various government ministries.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), a coalition of over 80 civil society organizations, asserted that the government must not ignore these findings but take decisive action against those involved. The government has faced longstanding criticism for its failure to address previous auditor general reports.
“The latest report echoes previous findings and starkly reveals a culture of impunity, lack of accountability, and blatant disregard for proper procedures that have become entrenched in Zimbabwean governance,” the statement read.
CiZC urged the government to launch comprehensive investigations into all corruption and financial mismanagement cases highlighted in the report and to hold those responsible accountable.
“The government must launch comprehensive investigations into all the cases of corruption and financial mismanagement highlighted in the Auditor General’s report. Those responsible must be held accountable.
“The government must urgently revamp its public financial management systems and procurement procedures to ensure transparency, competitive bidding, and effective oversight. All government ministries and agencies must be required to promptly respond to audit findings and recommendations,” the statement reads.
Added CiZC: “The government’s failure to address the financial rot has exacerbated the economic and humanitarian crises facing the country, leaving millions of Zimbabweans suffering.”
Meanwhile the report exposes a disturbing pattern of corruption and abuse of public resources and these include unfulfilled contracts and missing assets, inflated pricing and suspicious procurement, unaccounted funds and arrears and failure to respond to audit findings.
