DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in the following article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Daily Revelation
Anywhere around the world, fighting white collar crimes is costly and difficult. Corruption has in recent years become so sophisticated and yet endearing to many.
Corruption is a vice that has the potential to destroy the political, economic and moral fibre of any nation.
As citizens we seen to have taken a back seat to fighting corruption because we have been made to believe it is the fight of government and its institutions. This is a tragedy of our time.
We have resigned to think that it is the Police, Anti-Corruption Commission and Drug Enforcement’s duty to fighting crimes, money Laundering and corruption to mention but a few. We are wrong. we all owe it to the country despite that the Police, ACC and DEC are specifically established to fight Corruption, Crime, and money laundering.
Corruption had reached an endemic level in Zambia under the PF government, whilst a good number may have left government and other quasi government institutions, many have remained and may have continued to practice corruption.
Further, plunderers are freely roaming the streets and mocking government because of the huge resources before them used to ‘clean’ themselves up through donations unfortunately to churches and other social groupings to buy sympathy.
Plunderers are on campaign to discredit government institutions such as Drug Enforcement Commission, Ant-Corruption Commission and Police Service. The campaign is to drive a wedge against these institutions so that any attempt to arrest these individuals will be seen in the light of politics. Unfortunately, citizens are buying into this ploy.
Whilst we can all agree that there are challenges facing these institutions as regards professionalism and lack of skills to secure convictions, they need our support if we are to ensure that corruption crusade is won.
Government should help to build capacity in these institutions so that they can rise to the occasion to fight both corruption and other crimes.
Let us all stand up and condemn corruption and the wanton abuse of resources. Let us make the lives of plunderers difficult to enjoy their proceed of crime.
Zambians are dying everyday due to poor- and low-quality roads which may have been corruptly awarded. Everyday men and women are infected with the HIV/AIDS because of low quality of condoms acquired through corrupt means. Health safety measures have been compromised exposing many Zambians to unhealth conditions due to poor safety measures due to corruption.
Many Zambians with the necessary qualifications are unable to be absorbed into employment streams and yet positions are given to unqualified individuals due to corruption or nepotism.
Our institutions have been ring fenced from many Zambians because joining such institutions one need to first be known to the people with power or paying monies. This culture reigned high especially in the previous PF regime. We need to stand up against this ugly face which if left unchecked may continue to show up its ugly face in the UPND government.
Zambians must change and move away from the none concerned attitude towards leadership and adopt a more pro-active approach for the benefit of the future generation.
The President, DEC and ACC all need our support if we wish to see that corruption is won.
The corruption crusade risk being irrelevant if no convictions will be secured and therefore our institutions need every support.
Let us not allow ourselves to be used by those who are deliberately aimed at discrediting our institutions. ACC, DEC, and The Police service need our support.
Governance specialist
Francisco Mumba.
Mobile no. 0975561968
