MDC-T leader and former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday hit out at Zanu PF’s commitment to weed out corrupt elements within its rank and file, describing the ruling party’s approach as lethargic.
MOSES MATENGA/ EVERSON MUSHAVA
In a statement, Tsvangirai said if Zanu PF was to take the bull by the horns and confront the vice head-on, it would be left without any followers as all of them would be jailed on corruption charges.
But Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo yesterday said his party did not condone corruption and would deal decisively with the scourge. Tsvangirai said corruption, as exposed in the media, was shameful and needed government to take action.
“But there is lethargy on the part of Zanu PF to deal with this scourge because everyone in that party will be in jail if we become serious as a country on graft and unmitigated corruption,” Tsvangirai said.
In reference to President Robert Mugabe’s outburst against former Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa for allegedly soliciting a $6 million bribe from a Ghanaian businessman, Tsvangirai said it was surprising why no action had been taken.
“Now the President’s own spokesperson (George Charamba) has put his hands in the till and his own deputy (Joice Mujuru) in her capacity as Acting President, has threatened newspapers and nameless detractors for exposing corruption,” the MDC-T leader said. Tsvangirai said there should be no sacred cows when dealing with corruption, adding the country’s failure to address corruption was exacerbated by a weak anti-graft body. However, in statement, Gumbo said “the Presidium (Mugabe, Mujuru and party national chairperson Simon Khaya Moyo) were determined to root out corruption” which he described as an “intricate” issue which needed a comprehensive plan and policy to deal with. “Those involved in corrupt activities must and will face the full wrath of the law and we are determined to make this a reality. For our part, and for the avoidance of any doubt, we wish to make it known that we will take decisive measures to eradicate corruption in all its forms.” Contradicting Mujuru who over the weekend blasted the media for exposing corruption, Gumbo said: “We would also like to thank the media, both public and private, for their concerted efforts in bringing this shameful situation to public light.”
