By A Correspondent- The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has warned corrupt public officials against engaging in underhand dealings saying that those who engage in corrupt activities shall be punished.

He said that public officials must serve the interests of the general populace who voted them into the office rather than being self-aggrandising.

He said:

I am concerned by appalling levels of corruption and mismanagement of public funds and properties by both councillors and council officials who play hide-and-seek with Government officials in the process of financial management.

Those who are prone to corruption, the sun is setting. As public servants, your duty is to protect such public assets in your local authorities for the improvement of the welfare of your communities.

Mnangagwa was addressing delegates during an Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) annual conference on Friday.

Despite setting up and empowering the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, Zimbabwe is still ranked amongst the countries with high corruption levels and Mnangagwa’s critics have said the president is paying lipservice to the fight graft.

-StateMedia