THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission says it will investigate people accused of corruption regardless of one's standing in society. Commission chairperson Mr Denford Chirindo said the commission would execute its constitutional mandate and leave no stone unturned in its quest to fight the vice.

Mr Chirindo said this at the weekend during the commemoration of the United Nations Anti-Corruption Day.

"The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission will not have sacred cows in its bid to combat corruption in the country," he said.

"While this is so, may we all be reminded that the fight against corruption requires a collective engagement among various organisations, groups and individuals.

"The successful fight against corruption will inevitably ensure accountability, responsibility, transparency and good corporate governance both in public and private sectors."

Research, he said, indicated that more than 80 percent of Zimbabwe's population were Christians. "As such it might be a fact that the greater percentage of people who engage in corruption are Christians or religious," he said.

The commemorations were held in Harare and Bulawayo the major commercial, industrial and administrative centres.

Mr Chirindo said the two cities were seriously affected by the growth of corruption activities in business and at nearly all points of service delivery.

"There is a rise in white collar crimes both in the public and private sectors of the economy," he said.

Mr Chirindo said the Commission had adopted a three pronged approach in the fight against corruption.

They are publicity and education, prevention and good corporate governance and thorough investigations leading to prosecution.

"The main thrust of the Commission's work is prevention. However, where it fails then prosecution, after thorough investigations shall triumph," he said.

Mr Chirindo urged organisations and communities to put in place mechanisms to strengthen integrity, accountability and transparency.

"It is time to stop paying lip service to the cause and act against corruption," he said.