THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has opened investigations against judges, magistrates and church leaders over a slew of graft allegations.

Zacc chair Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo last week said members of the judiciary were under scrutiny but emphasised there was no interference on the independence of the third arm of the State.

She also hinted that there were several church leaders under probe for corruption allegations among whom is a prominent bishop who received a US$100 000 tithe from his church congregant.

“The investigation against members of the Judiciary Services Commission (JSC) is underway but we want to ensure that there will be no outcry of interference on the judiciary,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.

On the church bishop, Justice Matanda-Moyo said: “The commission is tracing the source of funds which shows that the church member who paid a US$100 000 tithe had made US$1 million.”

Justice Matanda-Moyo was not at liberty to disclose the names of the church leaders under probe saying it could jeopardise investigations.

She said corruption was deep-rooted even in law enforcement agencies such as Zacc, police, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Our institutions are not free from corruption; we have arrested some police officers while some members of Zacc have been dismissed on corruption charges,” said the Zacc boss.-The Sunday News