BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has received 28 complaints in a space of three months.
The ACC has received these complaints from July to September 2024. This is according to the Second Quarter Performance Report of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Out of the 28 complaints reported to the ACC, 22 of them have been converted into investigations.
Three of the complaints were referred to other agencies such as the Human Rights Commission, Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Two of the complaints were described as frivolous complaints, while one was pending processing.
During the reporting period, the Commission successfully hosted five SADC countries for an Anti-Corruption Expo and Study Tour for a period of four days. The activities involved combined awareness raising on corruption and exhibition.
The ACC is a law enforcement institution established by the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006. It was re-established into operation in 2008. The ACC has a three pronged legal mandate of:
Prevention: Examine practices and procedures and advise on ways of preventing corruption
Education: Educating the public and private bodies and the general public on the forms and dangers of Corruption
Investigation: Receive and investigate complaints of alleged or suspected corrupt practices made against any person, and refer appropriate cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Commission is headed by a Commissioner, who is assisted by two Deputy Commissioners, one heading Operations and the other heading Administration. This Section investigates any alleged or suspected cases of corruption, any other offences disclosed during such investigation and contraventions of any of the provisions of the fiscal and revenue laws of the country as set out in the Prevention of Corruption Act of 2006. The ACC is also tasked with the investigation of money laundering and financing of terrorism in accordance with the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011 as amended.
