Investigations into allegations of corruption involving former minister of information Patricia Kaliati have stalled due to delays by the United Arab Emirates to allow the Anti-corruption bureau conduct investigations in that country.
According to Public Relations Manager for the ACB Mrs. Egrita Ndala, authorities in Dubai have not responded to requests for the ACB to conduct investigations in the UAE.
“We are yet to receive a response from Dubai on our request, despite several reminders, disclosed Mrs. Ndala.
Mrs. Kaliati is being investigated on allegations that she received kickbacks from a UAE eco-tourism firm, which bid for the Nyika-Vwaza-conservation concession tender.
“These are interstate investigations, which depend on the goodwill of the other country to allow a country conduct inquiries in their country, said Mrs. Ndala.
The ACB publicist added that the delay is affecting their operations on the matter.
“The delay by Dubai to respond to our request, means that progress on the matter has stalled and we cannot proceed with our investigations,” added the ACB spokesperson.
Mrs. Kaliati has always denied having received any bribery from the eco-tourism firm to influence her to decision on the granting of the Nyika-Vwaza concession.
She argues that her trip to Dubai, which was sponsored by the bidder, was transparent.
