The Evil Extortion Epidemic

–– Joe Shoko

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In most African countries, when citizens see the police, they turn the other way or pass them begrudgingly. Instead of feeling safe and secure around their supposed protection unit, people would rather risk driving into the drainage ditches, fleeing from their assailers. This is the reality that every Zimbabwean, believer or non-believer, must live with: the fact that they are likely to be arrested, extorted, and harassed on trumped-up charges.

It is no secret that Zimbabwe is one of the most corrupt countries in Africa. The logic follows that a country with leaders who selectively apply the law is policed by lawless men and women. In 2017, for example, the head of police was arrested for failing to prove how he acquired his seven-million-dollar mansion and other properties, despite being a mere civil servant. 

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Followers of the Fallen

–– Andrew Zekveld

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A proverb that has been attributed to the people of Tanzania observes how “the humble pay for the mistakes of their leaders.” This simple observation of life is indeed the downfall of much in our beloved Africa. When leaders fall, it is always the humble followers who get crushed.

Yet, it seems that very little can convince the humble followers of fallen leaders to stop following their discredited heroes.

Ousted from the South African presidency in 2018 because of corruption, Jacob Zuma regained great political fame this past December in his announcement of forming a new political party—this all amidst his corruption trial

So also spiritual leader Shepherd Bushiri from Malawi, while awaiting extradition orders in Malawi for financial crimes committed in South Africa, enjoyed a renewed following in his recent 2023/2024 Crossover event.

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TARIF: Why It’s Always Good to Resist Bribes

The Africa Review in Five highlights African current affairs from a Christian perspective. Listen and subscribe through Youtube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Today is Friday, September 1st, A.D. 2023. This is The Africa Review in Five, written by Paul Schlehlein and presented by Yamikani Katunga.

Why It’s Always Good to Resist Bribes

Late last year, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera vowed to crack down on the corruption and bribery so common in his nation. Chakwera took office in 2020 after becoming the first African opposition leader to defeat an incumbent in a return of a fraudulent election. 

Bribery is not uncommon in Africa, just as in many other places around the world. Billboards dot the landscape with statements like: “Give corruption a good knock. Don’t give or take bribes.” Such signboards wouldn’t be necessary if bribery weren’t an issue. Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer—Africa 2019 has found that more than half of the 47,000 citizens in the 35 countries surveyed believe their nation is becoming more corrupt. And this bribery is hurting the poor. 

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