The ministry of Internal Affairs has reportedly sacked eight employees for failing to explain the way they acquired their wealth. It has emerged that the sacked employees had been under investigation for accumulating wealth far beyond their earnings.

This is a positive development by the ministry and it is a reflection of the commitment by this government department to public accountability. Other government agencies are supposed to take the same course in pursuit of accountability and a transparent administration.

It was also reported that some government employees had not complied with the law requiring them to declare their wealth. This amounts to breaking the law and is a source of suspicion.

There is no reason apart from the need to hide ill-gotten wealth for a public/government official to completely fail to declare his/her wealth. The importance of transparency by those who hold public office can not be underestimated.

Those who are found to have used public resources to illegally accumulate wealth must not only be sacked, but have to be prosecuted and made to return the ill gotten wealth.

The leadership of the country has already demonstrated a zero tolerance policy for corruption. What the population ought to do is to emulate that commitment and also work as whistle blowers against the corrupt.

It is through such concerted efforts by all the stakeholders and the entire population that such tendencies will be quashed. The fight against corruption is paramount in the national development process.

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