Justice v Corruption: The Judiciary`s Role in the Battle for Economic Prosperity in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Corruption remains a global cancerous disease that undermines economic development while eroding public trust in institutions. In Zimbabwe, corruption has been a persistent issue, with the country scoring 21 out of 100 on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index. The economic ramifications are severe, with corruption contributing to inefficiencies in governance, misallocation of resources, and diminished investor confidence. In response to this, Zimbabwe has established several legal instruments and institutions to combat corruption. The paper examines the role of the judiciary, as an independent legal institution in Zimbabwe that is ‘central to the rule of law’, in curbing corruption. The Constitution of Zimbabwe promotes transparency and accountability, with Chapter 13 establishing key anti corruption bodies. Judicial oversight remains the key bottleneck for all anti-corruption enforcement efforts. Using a doctrinal research method, the study analyses existing case law and literature to assess the effectiveness of judicial enforcement in combating corruption. Lee’s General Theory of Law and Development serves as the theoretical framework, providing insights into the regulatory impact of the judiciary and identifying systemic loopholes that hinder anti-corruption efforts. This paper contributes to existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the judiciary’s pivotal role in combating corruption and fostering economic development in Zimbabwe through the lens of Lee`s Theory of Law and Economic Development. The findings of this paper highlight the judiciary’s role as a legal institution in shaping regulatory frameworks and enforcing anti-corruption measures. The paper suggests an integrated approach to combat corruption that is constant of the existing multifaceted frailties to enhance transparency, rebuild public trust, and support sustainable development.