Zimbabwe’s Hidden Corruption Web: Ex-CIO Boss Sheds Light on Deep Scandal

Zimbabwe’s corruption problem has reached alarming depths, according to a revealing account by former Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director General, Retired Major General Happyton Bonyongwe. His words serve as a sobering reflection of the country’s tainted institutions.

In his newly published book, One Among Many, My Contribution to the Zimbabwean Story, Bonyongwe exposes rampant corruption within the judiciary. Lawyers, prosecutors, and magistrates are accused of colluding to sway court cases in exchange for bribes. This deep-rooted corruption highlights a judicial system in crisis.

Bonyongwe recounted a personal experience where his lawyer admitted that bribery was likely involved in one of his civil cases. This culture of bribery undermines the rule of law and fosters injustice. It is a pervasive issue, affecting all levels of the judiciary.

The implications of this judicial corruption are severe. When those responsible for upholding justice are themselves compromised, citizens lose trust in the system. A judiciary marred by bribery ultimately erodes the foundation of democracy and fairness in society.

But the rot does not stop at the judiciary. The former CIO boss pointed to several other institutions suffering from the same vice. He cited corruption in the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the police force, and even municipalities, which are tasked with serving the public. Corruption in ZIMRA, for instance, has contributed to government revenue loss, crippling its ability to pay civil servants. This has sparked unrest, with movements like #ThisFlag and #Tajamuka capitalizing on public frustration.

Bonyongwe’s concerns also extended to the police force. During his tenure, he submitted a report flagging extensive police corruption to the Cabinet. His revelations angered the then Commissioner General of Police, Augustine Chihuri. The scandalous findings highlighted the deep mistrust within law enforcement, where bribery and misconduct are widespread. Chihuri’s subsequent self-imposed exile following Mugabe’s ouster further underscores the murkiness surrounding those in power.

Perhaps even more disturbing is the corruption within Zimbabwe’s business sector. Bonyongwe detailed how large companies exploit corrupt systems to engage in illegal activities such as tax evasion and smuggling. These illicit practices deprive the country of millions in potential revenue. Smuggling of tobacco and minerals is especially rampant, contributing to the hollowing out of Zimbabwe’s economy.

This type of corporate corruption is more difficult to root out, as it involves powerful players with vast resources. Companies engaged in transfer pricing, illicit tenders, and tax evasion further weaken the country’s financial standing. These losses have far-reaching consequences, affecting the livelihoods of everyday Zimbabweans who rely on a functioning economy.

Bonyongwe’s proposed solution to these issues was to create a corruption-fighting unit modeled after the United States’ FBI. This unit was intended to root out corrupt elements in the judiciary and beyond. While it saw some early success, it quickly became apparent that even this special unit was not immune to corruption. New methods were devised to evade the unit’s scrutiny, illustrating just how entrenched the problem has become.

The challenges of fighting corruption in Zimbabwe are immense. It is not just an issue confined to a single institution. Instead, it is a systemic problem that spans multiple sectors of society. From the judiciary to the police force, ZIMRA to major corporations, the culture of corruption runs deep.

What Zimbabwe needs now is more than just reports and investigations. It requires bold, decisive action from those in power, coupled with a transparent legal framework that can hold even the most powerful accountable. Without this, the country risks spiraling further into an abyss where corruption is the norm and justice is nothing more than a distant dream.

Bonyongwe’s testimony sheds light on the gravity of Zimbabwe’s corruption crisis. His experience, along with the examples provided, serve as a wake-up call for a country struggling to escape the shadow of dishonesty and fraud. As Zimbabwe looks to the future, the question remains: will the fight against corruption ever succeed, or has it already been lost?

The Zim Bulletin