The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has been rocked by allegations of nepotism, favouritism and irregular recruitment practices that insiders claim have undermined transparency and merit-based hiring within the institution.
The allegations centre on a recruitment exercise launched in February 2026 after a similar process conducted in 2025 reportedly failed to reach completion.
Sources within the Commission allege that some Commissioners sought to influence recruitment outcomes for several key positions, including General Manager Investigations, Provincial Heads, Human Resources Officers, Legal Officers, Public Education Officers and Procurement Officers.
At the centre of the claims is Commissioner Zalerah Hazvineyi Makari, who heads the Human Resources portfolio at ZACC. Sources allege that she played a coordinating role in advancing preferred candidates during recruitment processes.
According to insiders, lists of preferred candidates were allegedly compiled and circulated ahead of interviews. These lists were reportedly passed through the Human Resources department to General Manager Human Resources Humphrey Magorimbo, who is accused by sources of communicating instructions to shortlisting committees and interview panels.
The allegations further claim that some members of recruitment panels were directed to favour certain candidates, raising concerns about the integrity of a process expected to be based on merit.
Mr Magorimbo is also the subject of separate allegations from some insiders who claim he solicited money from prospective candidates seeking employment at the Commission. No evidence supporting the allegations has been publicly presented, and no formal findings have been made against him.
Sources further allege that during the recruitment of Investigations Officers, a predetermined list of 11 successful candidates was allegedly identified before interviews were conducted. According to insiders, approximately 35 candidates were shortlisted from a large applicant pool, but the final selections had allegedly already been agreed upon.
The position of General Manager Investigations has also emerged as a source of controversy. The post remained vacant for an extended period following the departure of Peter Zivanai Rwodzi before being filled on a substantive basis only recently.
Sources familiar with developments at the Commission claim that the appointment process was marked by internal disagreements, with some influential figures allegedly opposing the eventual successful candidate despite his qualifications.
Insiders further allege that efforts had been made to secure the appointment of Lovemore Findi to the position, with claims that support for his candidature was linked to perceived alignment with certain centres of influence within the institution.
Additional concerns have been raised regarding the recent appointment of Terence Kurwakumire as a Provincial Head.
Sources allege that his appointment was actively supported by some officials within the Commission. Following the appointment, unverified claims emerged questioning aspects of his identity and academic credentials. These allegations have not been substantiated, and no official findings have been made.
Beyond recruitment concerns, insiders say a recent restructuring exercise has heightened tensions within the Commission.
According to sources, several senior managers were reassigned from departments where they possessed significant experience and qualifications to units where they had little professional background.
Among the reported changes was the transfer of a Finance Manager to the Research Unit and the reassignment of a Human Resources Manager to the Learning and Development Unit. Critics within the institution argue that the deployments appear inconsistent with principles of professional specialisation and sound human resource management.
Sources claim the restructuring has been viewed by some employees as punitive and aimed at sidelining officials perceived to have questioned recruitment decisions and other internal processes.
The allegations have also prompted broader governance concerns, with insiders claiming that certain Commissioners may have exerted undue influence over operational matters that ordinarily fall within the remit of the Secretariat.
Efforts to obtain comment from ZACC communications manager, Simiso Mlevu were fruitless as she had not responded to questions sent to her WhatsApp at the time of publishing.
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