The Zimbabwe branch of Transparency International said Thursday that a recent survey found the Zimbabwe Republic Police is considered the most corrupt public institution in the country followed by political parties, civil servants, the legislature and the judiciary.
The Transparency International Zimbabwe global corruption barometer compiled public opinion on corruption in Zimbabwe and how it affects the lives of Zimbabweans.
The group surveyed just over a thousand people between April and May 2011 to come up with a report representative of the population. About 55 percent of those surveyed said corruption is on the increase, noting that Zimbabweans are being forced to pay bribes to obtain services that they should be receiving for free as citizens.
Transparency International Zimbabwe Program Officer Nyasha Frank Mpahlo said that the survey findings show that the current national unity government has not been effective in combating corruption during its 33 months in power.
No comment could immediately be obtained from the recently named anti-corruption commission. But UK-based journalist Innocent Chofamba Sithole said there’s not much the commission can accomplish if there is no political will to tackle corruption.
Zimbabweans told Amnesty International that they are tired of being asked to pay for services they should be receiving at no cost from government departments like the Vehicle Inspection Department and the Office of the Registrar General.
For perspective, VOA reporter Violet Gonda turned to former police assistant commissioner Jonathan Chaora and Attorney Kucaca Phulu.
Chaora said it is hard for ordinary police officers to abstain from corruption when top officials like Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri do not uphold the law.
