HARARE – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has warned the public against paying bribes to prosecutors saying the act constituted a criminal offence on its own.
In a statement, the NPA said the courts handle cases free of any charge.
“Please take note that prosecution services are free throughout the country; the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe does not charge members of the public for any court processes, nor does the authority receive payments from members of the public,” said the prosecuting arm of Zimbabwe’s judiciary.
NPA said paying bribes to prosecutors was an offence.
“Please do not pay anyone to have your case heard or expedited in any way as you will be prosecuted for corruption; any money that is paid as a bribe for prosecution services will be forfeited to the state,” NPA said.
The comments by NPA follows the mushrooming of corruption syndicates involving police officers, prosecutors, and magistrates who allegedly accept bribes from suspects in exchange for acquittals.
