NPA targeting US$20m worth of properties from loot...

NPA targeting US$20m worth of properties from looters

Zim Now Writer

The National Prosecuting Authority says it has US$20 million worth of properties that are currently being processed as potential proceeds of crime.

“This year alone, we have obtained forfeiture orders through the courts of properties worth US$5.6 million and currently, there are also pending matters involving properties worth US$20 million,” said Prosecutor General General Nelson Mutsonziwa, while launching the “Knock out corruption campaign” in Harare this Friday.

He said the law now effectively provides for the forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth.

“In compliance with the Money Laundering Act, an asset forfeiture unit with specially trained prosecutors was established and is responsible for instituting asset forfeiture cases before our courts," said Mr Mutsonziwa.

The “Knock out corruption campaign” is also expected, among other things, to enhance and establish a framework against corruption, illicit financial flows, and other crimes in the justice sector.

Transparency International Zimbabwe executive director Tafadzwa Chikumbu said the campaign is symbolic since it enabled stakeholders within the justice sector, government departments, and other spaces to join forces in responding to corruption.

Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs-Director Tapiwa Chiwenga said corruption in the justice sector, whether actual or perceived poses a real threat to the rule of law.

The setting up of anti-corruption courts has enabled the timeous conclusion of cases that were delayed previously.

Non-complex cases of graft were expected to be concluded within nsix months with being allowed a time of 12 months at the maximum to be concluded.