In an interview immediately after being interviewed by the Public appointments Committee of Parliament (PAC) today, Masauko Chamkakala told the local press that if confirmed as the Director of Public Prosecution, the acrimony that was there between the DPP and the Anti-Corruption Bureau would be an issue of the past.
A couple of hours later, PAC delivered it’s verdict. In a 14 yes to 2 No vote as announced by the committee’s Chairperson Joyce Chitsulo meant that Chamkakala was officially confirmed as the new DPP officially replacing Dr Steven Kayuni who was removed recently because of ‘unsound judgement.’
“He has impressed us since we already know his track record having worked at Legal Aid Bureau as such we believe he is the right person to execute the duties of the DPP,” said Chitsulo.
Malawi Leader President Dr Lazarus Chakwera appointed Chamkakala two weeks ago.
Chamkakala has a very rich CV having worked in various Malawi government institutions.
These include the Office of the President and Cabinet; Parliament and was part
of the process of setting up the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau as a national institution.
He has also worked for the Malawi Revenue Authority, as principal legal officer as well as at the World Bank where he was engaged to assess allegations of misconduct in World
Bank-funded projects across Africa of close to US$2 billon to identify allegations warranting further investigations.
Chamkakala has worked as Project Coordinator for International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in Laxenburg, Austria as management training placement.
Again, apart from having good working experience he is also good in terms of academic background.
He holdds Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Malawi (2003) and Masters of Law in Democratic Governance and Rule of Law (Distinction) obtained at Ohio Northern University College of Law in the USA (2009).
While at Ohio, he was awarded an outstanding LL.M. Student Award-only one award is given each year whose criteria include academic excellence, leadership and potential for making significant contribution to the rule of law and democracy in the student’s home country.
Chamkakala is also a good administrator having set up the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau as a national institution, including setting up administrative structures of the institution across Malawi and serve as its first Director.
He provided administrative and strategic direction to the Bureau and supervised 112 members of staff including 24 lawyers and 29 paralegals.
He gave strategic direction in budget formulation and implementation for government allocation of approximately USD1.2 million/year.
During his tenure of office the Bureau handled over 10,000 cases for indigenous clients in the first year.
Malawians have since commended Chakwera for the appointment of such senior legal mind.
