GOVT QUESTIONED AS TITLE OF THE HEAD OF THE ACB CHANGES FROM DIRECTOR TO DIRECTOR GENERAL

A constitutional lawyer has faulted government for changing the title of the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from director to director general without amending the ACB Act.

Government should have first amended the Act before affecting the changes, said Justin Dzodzi, Executive Director of Justice Link.

Recently, government changed the titles in the leadership of ACB to introduce the office of director general and directors of various departments under the bureau.

“Since the offices are established under specific statues, we cannot change those positions before amending the specific regulations.

“There might not be much in terms of just changing the name. Of course these are nominal and administrative, but since the name comes in the law and is part of the law, the changes has to be effected in line with changes effected in the law,” said Dzonzi.

Lucus Kondowe was appointed as the new director for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and replaces Justice Rezeen Mzikamanda who was fired less than three months ago.

Kondowe is a certified chartered accountant who previously served as manager for finance, planning and strategy at the First Merchant Bank (FMB). He is also a certified public accountant, fraud examiner and financial forensic expert.

Reacting to the appointment of an accountant, Dzonzi said much as there would be not clearly spelt qualifications, a candidate with legal background would be more ideal to man the office.

Both the constitution and the Corrupt Practices Act do not state out the qualification of the ACB Director.

“But in practical terms one would have to think in terms of the functions of the director and question whether one with no legal background can effectively discharge their duties,” said Dzonzi.