Society urged to fight petty corruption

 

By Elizabeth Kucherera

Transparency International Zimbabwe ( TIZ) has challenged the community  to fight petty corruption in all public organizations like schools, hospitals and law enforcement officers in order to make the next generation a corruption-free community.

TIZ made the call during a two-day workshop in Mutare attended by local youths, councilors and gender-based organisations held to discuss the types of petty corruption in the community and possible solutions to reduce them.

One of the attendees, Shearjashub Nyakudya (21) from Hobhouse location narrated on how boys and men are being emotionally abused by law enforcement officers at Police stations in the event of reporting physical abuse from their partners and wives.

“It is very difficult for us to report physical abuse from women. Law enforcement officers, especially ZRP, handle our cases in a manner that makes us more frustrated,” Nyakudya said.

“Sometimes officers laugh at us and we become traumatized.”

In response to this issue a representative of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission urged community members to know the right office for each case they reported at police stations.

“At every police station there are different departments; for example drug department, traffic department, and the victim-friendly unit.

“Victims should know the right department or organization to consult.”

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission further explained about the importance of reporting corruptions cases to organizations like Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Transparency International Zimbabwe and also its organization for detailed investigations.

Solomon Mandorasa, another attendee from Sakubva pointed out on petty corruption at council clinics. He said that chronic disease drugs are being sold by nurses instead of the clinic pharmacy.

“Whenever I visit Sakubva clinic there are no medicines but we are being referred to a nurse who is at the ground.

“Are these nurses buying and selling medicine as their side hustle at the clinic or they are pilfering from the pharmacy. May our responsible authorities investigate for us.” said Mandorasa.

TIZ research and advocacy officer Samuel Matikiti encouraged the society not to loose hope to fight corruption for the benefit of the next generation.

“African people have a tendency of eating their profits after two months but white people can choose to plough timber at the age of 70 fully knowing that after 40 years they will enjoy the benefits.

“Let us not lose hope our next generation is the one that will enjoy a free corruption community,” said Matikiti.