Reported By Malawi Freedom Network
The Commission of Inquiry into the arrest of Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Martha Chizuma has recommended that President Dr Lazarus Chakwera must ensure that the citizenry should regain trust in the office of the ACB.
This is contained in a report the Commission released following investigations into the arrest of Chizuma in early December 2022.
The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) released the report following the directive by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to have the report shared with the public.
The report faults Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Steven Kayuni for taking the matter of leaked audio to the Police in his capacity when he was also DPP.
The Commission chaired by Justice Edward Twea retired, also established that Chizuma, was not tortured or manhandled as suggested by the social media and some Members of Parliament.
Consequently, the report points out that the police did not respect its statutes by arresting a high-profile person without informing top officials in the police hierarchy and line Minister of Justice.
On the leaked audio of Chizuma and Anderson Mwakyelu, the report says there is clear evidence that the ACB boss committed an offence, and breached confidentiality her job entails by discussing sensitive ACB matters with a third party.
It has been recommended to the President therefore to find a lasting solution to ensure people have trust in the ACB.
The Commission also observes that it is evident that the relationship between the ACB, the DPP, and the Attorney General AG, is not cordial, a development which affects the corruption fight in Malawi, and recommends a serious consideration by the authority to have the relationship amended.
Another observation of the Commission of Inquiry is that ACB Director works in isolation, making the corruption fight difficult.
Further, the Commission has faulted the ACB for arranging with a UK graft-bursting institution to use its evidence for prosecution without directly involving the Government of Malawi.
The Commission of Inquiry Report was submitted to Dr Chakwera on Tuesday, 3 January 2023 after it was instituted on 10 December 2022, to establish facts concerning the arrest of the ACB DG and make recommendations on corrective actions to be taken for the advancement of Dr Chakwera’s commitment to the fight against corruption.
Reported by Malawi Freedom Network, Lilongwe
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