Railway Integrity Committee (RICO)
“To combat corruption, promote integrity and foster a culture of ethical conduct within the National Railways of Zimbabwe.”
About the Railway Integrity Committee
The Railway Integrity Committee (RICO) was established on 21 November 2022 as a strategic partnership between the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The Committee was formed under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) and derives its mandate from Chapter 13 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20 of 2013). Its primary objective is to combat corruption, promote integrity, and foster a culture of ethical conduct throughout the National Railways of Zimbabwe.
RICO serves as NRZ's commitment to strengthening corporate governance and aligning organisational practices with national anti-corruption priorities. The Committee consists of a six-member cross-functional team appointed by the Chief Executive Officer and operates under a dual-tier reporting structure that ensures accountability and transparency in all integrity-related activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Railway Integrity Committee is responsible for combating and eradicating corruption and unethical conduct within NRZ's sphere of control. Its mandate includes proactively preventing graft and maladministration, conducting compliance checks, developing policies and integrity strategies, monitoring integrity activities across the organisation, promoting ethical values, providing guidance on ethical decision-making, investigating reported breaches of ethics, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability throughout all departments and regions.
Committee Structure and Decentralisation
To ensure integrity activities are embedded throughout the organisation, RICO operates through a decentralised structure comprising the National Headquarters in Bulawayo and Regional Sub-Committees in the Southern, Midlands and Eastern regions.
The Integrity Committee Headquarters receives reports and findings from all Regional Sub-Committees and subsequently reports to both the Chief Executive Officer of NRZ and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). This structure ensures that integrity initiatives are effectively implemented and monitored across the organisation.
Achievements Since Formation
Since its establishment in November 2022, the Railway Integrity Committee has achieved significant milestones in promoting integrity and ethical conduct within NRZ. These achievements include the drafting of the Committee's Terms of Reference, the development of a comprehensive Gift Policy for all employees, the introduction of Asset Declaration Forms and Lifestyle Audit Forms, the production of integrity awareness materials such as videos, pamphlets and banners, and the successful delivery of an Integrity and Ethics Course at the NRZ Training Centre.
Arrest and Case Summary
Since its inception, RICO has actively pursued corruption-related cases across NRZ operations. Between 2023 and 2025, the Committee recorded several cases that resulted in arrests, disciplinary actions and dismissals.
| Year | Cases | Arrests | Convictions | Dismissals | Pending |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 | 12 | 22 | - | 19 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 | 4 | - | 3 | 2 |
Overall, thirty employees have been dismissed following corruption-related investigations during this period.
Corruption Cases and Disciplinary Actions
Case 1 – Theft of Traction Motor | Motive Power Depot, Harare
In February 2025, two Electrical Supervisors stationed at the Motive Power Depot in Harare were implicated in the theft of a traction motor valued at USD 25,000. Both employees resigned before the conclusion of their disciplinary hearings, while criminal proceedings remain pending before the courts.
Case 2 – Unauthorized Disposal of Fleet Assets | RMS Former Acting Operations Manager
In October 2024, the Managing Director of RMS was alleged to have unlawfully disposed of eighteen truck horses, thirty-three trailers and two tankers without the necessary authority. Investigations and legal processes relating to the matter are ongoing.
Case 3 – Fuel Siphoning from Locomotive
In May 2023, two Engine Men were found guilty of siphoning one thousand litres of diesel from a locomotive. Following disciplinary proceedings, both individuals were discharged from the organisation.
Case 4 – Theft of Copper | Security Personnel
In March 2023, a Security Guard was convicted of stealing thirty-three kilograms of copper and was subsequently sentenced to three years' imprisonment.
Platforms Used for Integrity Activities
The Railway Integrity Committee actively promotes integrity awareness through various stakeholder engagement platforms, including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Mine Entra, the Harare Agricultural Show, NRZ Rail Roader publications, NRZ Weekly Notices, Daily Situation Reports, employee meetings and inter-regional tours.
Training and Development
RICO remains committed to building integrity capacity across all levels of the organisation. The Committee conducts compact workshops covering ethics, anti-corruption legislation and reporting obligations. It also offers a formal Integrity and Ethics Course through the NRZ Training Centre and regularly conducts awareness campaigns during trade fairs, agricultural shows and other public engagements.
Our Legal Basis
The Railway Integrity Committee derives its authority and mandate from several legal and policy instruments. These include Chapter 13 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20 of 2013), the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Act, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), and various NRZ internal policies, including the Gift Policy, Asset Declaration requirements and Lifestyle Audit provisions.
Report Corruption or Unethical Conduct
The National Railways of Zimbabwe is committed to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that all reports of corruption or unethical conduct are handled confidentially, professionally and without delay.
National Integrity Hotline:
0789 593 624 (WhatsApp & SMS)
Headquarters (Bulawayo):
0777 020 508 / 0717 489 069 / 0712 660 702 / 0712 200 721 / 0773 337 862
Southern Area:
0712 883 795 / 0777 942 333
Midlands Region:
0712 214 101 / 0712 363 484
Eastern Area:
0773 740 560 / 0774 013 168
Reports may be submitted through voice calls, WhatsApp and SMS, suggestion boxes located at NRZ premises, confidential verbal reports to Integrity Committee members, or protected whistleblowing channels that operate in accordance with Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission guidelines.