Mnangagwa appoints controversial prosecutor Reza as ZACC chairperson

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed controversial acting deputy Prosecutor General Michael Reza as the new chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) with immediate effect.

Reza replaces Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, who was redeployed a few months ago to be the Prosecutor-General.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya confirmed in a statement on Tuesday evening.

“His Excellency the President has, in terms of Subsection 1 (a) of Section 254 of the Constitution, appointed Mr. Michael Reza as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission with immediate effect.

“Mr. Michael Reza holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of South Africa and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the Midlands State University.

“He has also undergone training in the handling of money laundering and asset forfeiture in South Africa, Botswana and Malawi under the sponsorship of the United Nations Organ on Drugs and Crime.

“Mr. Reza possesses vast experience in criminal investigations and prosecution and has handled corruption cases at the highest level. He has prosecuted serious crimes in the country’s Courts for over a decade,” read the statement.

Reza is a controversial figure who served as a State prosecutor. He is also known for allegedly aiding the regime in imprisoning human rights activists.

He is a lead prosecutor on many high-profile cases, particularly those involving corruption and politically motivated charges.

Mnangagwa also appointed former opposition MP Fungayi Jessie Majome as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.

“In terms of Subsection 1 (a) of Section 242 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President, has appointed Ms. Fungayi Jessie Majome as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission with immediate effect.

“Ms. Fungayi Jessie Majome holds a Bachelor of Laws, Post Graduate Diploma in Women’s Law, a Master of Laws in Constitutional Law, Development Law, Human Rights Law and Administrative Law.

“Ms. Majome has wide experience in Public Administration as former Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, and as Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs among other key policy level positions,” read the statement.