PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has warned corrupt councillors and council officials who convert public funds to personal use, saying Government will not hesitate to punish them.

Addressing delegates during an Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) annual conference yesterday, President Mnangagwa said he was concerned with the level of corruption in local authorities.

“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.

“I exhort you to guard against putting self-interests ahead of serving the electorate and those who engage in corrupt activities shall be punished. Forewarned is forearmed.

You must monitor the activities of your fellow councillors and council officials in order to get rid of councils and indeed our society of this cancer of corruption.”

President Mnangagwa said under the Second Republic, there was need to build a legacy of good governance, accountability and transparency for the prosperity of the country.State media