Published: 2 hours ago

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has blasted the country's justice delivery system, describing it as "rotten" and plagued by corruption.

Speaking at a consultative workshop convened by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and a consultant, ZHRC chairperson Jessie Majome said systemic graft and inefficiency in the justice sector were crippling efforts to curb corruption.

"The justice system is rotten," Majome said. "From legal practitioners to the police, prosecutors, magistrates and judges - access to justice is effectively for sale. Education, health, everything is for sale. We have serious problems."

She revealed that the ZHRC continued to receive numerous complaints from the public about corruption and inefficiency within the justice sector, highlighting widespread delays, questionable practices and eroded public trust.

"As a public protector institution, we receive complaints about problems in the administrative justice sector. Many relate to delays and irregularities in the justice delivery system. Even from my professional experience, the system has deep-rooted challenges," she added.

Zacc chairperson Michael Reza, in his keynote address, underscored the need for collective action to break what he called the "cycle of corruption."

"Changing social norms, reforming laws and building a critical mass of institutions and individuals who refuse to take part in corruption are essential," Reza said. "This fight is impossible without broad-based support from government, civil society, the private sector, communities and citizens."

He urged civic actors to resist what he termed "negative branding" of the country while stressing the importance of public education to strengthen citizen participation in the anti-graft agenda.

The first National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS1), launched in 2020, achieved 61% of its targets in investigation and prevention, according to Zacc. The second phase (NACS2) is expected to prioritise the justice sector, given its central role in governance.

Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tavengwa, speaking on behalf of the government, said corruption undermines effective governance across all levels of society.

"From government officials and local authorities to civil society, media, religious leaders and law enforcement, everyone recognises that corruption diverts resources and perpetuates inequality," Tavengwa said. "Fighting it requires the active participation of all Zimbabweans."
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