ACB arrests statistics officer over corruption acts

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested former Chief Statistician for the Population and Housing Census Willie Kachaka for misuse of public office contrary to Section 25B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.

According to a statement from the bureau, Kachaka, who was arrested on October 8 was given bail by Lilongwe magistrates’ Court on condition that he deposited K30, 000 cash with the court, produced a surety bonded at K150,000 none cash, surrendered his travel documents and ordered to report at ACB offices once every fortnight on Mondays.

ACB says it received information in 2008 alleging massive corruption in the hiring of vehicles for the 2008 Population and Housing Census.

“The Anti-Corruption Bureau instituted investigations into the matter. It established that Mr. Willie Kachaka who was then working as Chief Statistician for the Population and Housing Census ( now with Ministry of Health headquarters) had committed an offence in relation to the hire of vehicles during the 2008 Population and Housing Census,” says the statement.

He was charged with one count of misuse of public office contrary to Section 25B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act but pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The bureau says he is expected to appear in court on October 17, 2012.