|
Why cornering white collar grand criminals is difficult
2008-04-20 11:05:13
By Henry Muhanika
Talk about white-collar grand criminals, nowadays popularly referred to as ``fisadis`` or characters in society who are now filthy rich due to grand corruption, is very much in the air in the land.
In Tanzania, some major scandals involving looting billions from public coffers through the public-private corruption partnership have been unearthed, thanks to the vigilance of some social actors including the media, principled politicians and other whistle blowers in the civil society.
Infamous scandals have been found in power production contracts, mineral exploitation contracts, procurement of equipment, direct looting from the Central Bank etc.
Due to the big amount of money stolen and the shameless methods used in this daylight robbery, many people, especially in urban centres, have realized the sad reality surrounding them, and are both frustrated and angry.
The question on the lips of the angered majority now is what should be done to ensure the suspects and proven culprits of grand corruption pay for their wrongs to society?
A very difficult question this one, given that cornering the ``fisadis`` is a complex and uphill task, as one of the top leaders recently admitted - of course leaving many people dumbfound and upset.
Some observers note that there are key reasons to explain why ``fisadis`` in our midst rape our nation with impunity and manage to survive, even when their devilish deeds leak and apparently appear to put them in deep trouble.
To begin with, observers note, ``fisadis`` are still seen as role models in a society which gauge success on the number of mansions, farms, posh cars and other property one possesses as well as the conspicuous consumption lifestyle one displays.
Unlike the petty thief who snatches a cell phone from a pedestrian, only to be burnt alive by the chaotic mob, a ``fisadi`` whose theft may lead to loss of thousands of lives due to inadequacy of drugs in hospitals, remains respected and admired!
A ``fisadi`` has intimate connections with highly placed officials in Government and politics, some observers further note, adding that some government officers and some politicians are ``fisadis``, anyway.
It is noted as well that ``fisadis`` are not scared about the idea of having their cases sent to court, for a simple reason that there is no shortage of legal ``fisadis`` to protect their interests.
Then you have smart ``fisadis``who sponsor candidates during election time, expecting future protection when their candidates make it to top positions.
My friend Darubini always reminds me that fighting a black colonialist in our midst is more challenging than fighting a white colonialist.
As I grow older, and get more experienced about life, I tend to see much sense in what Darubini says.
Henry Muhanika is a Media Consultant
|
