Mnangagwa promises zero tolerance in corruption fight

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday promised zero tolerance in his government’s push to punish corruption that stifled political freedom and economic growth under Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule. Mnangagwa, giving his first state of the nation address since he assumed power last month following a de facto coup that ousted his 93-year-old predecessor, has sought […]

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday promised zero tolerance in his government’s push to punish corruption that stifled political freedom and economic growth under Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule.

Mnangagwa, giving his first state of the nation address since he assumed power last month following a de facto coup that ousted his 93-year-old predecessor, has sought to draw a line under years of endemic corruption and impunity.

Under pressure to deliver results, especially on an economy crippled by severe currency shortages, Mnangagwa said reforms of a bloated state sector would be launched in early 2018.

“On individual cases of corruption, every case must be investigated and punished in accordance with the dictates of our laws. There should be no sacred cows. My government will have zero tolerance towards corruption and this has already begun,” Mnangagwa told a joint sitting of the country’s two houses of parliament.