CDEDI challenges Chakwera on Chizuma’s arrest

A Civil Society Organization (CSO) under the banner Center for Democracy and Economic Development (CDEDI) is demanding undivided attention of President Lazarus Chakwera on the arrest of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director general Martha Chizuma.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa made the remarks at a media briefing in Lilongwe this morning.

According to Namiwa he want Chakwera to do more regarding the arrest of the graft-bursting body boss which he described as lack of seriousness by government to fight corruption.

Namiwa continued that he has doubt if the commission of inquiry that has been instituted to investigate the matter will be effective enough to answer questions that are currently in each and every Malawian’s head.

Chizuma was arrested yesterday around 4 am over an audio clip which leaked in January this year in which Chizuma was discussing work related matters by unknown individual who is yet to be identified.

After a public uproar, the Malawi Police Service (MPS) released Chizuma on bail after charging her with making use of speech capable of prejudicing a person against a party to judicial proceedings contrary to section 131(1) d of the penal code.

But later in the day, the Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo said the charges have been withdrawn unconditionally adding that they will include all involved police officers as third party of the case so that incase Chizuma sues for being arrested on petty issue, they will be responsible to foot all bills.

However, government through its spokesperson Gospel Kazako has insisted that the arrest of Chizuma came as a shock to them too hence taking steps in handling the matter immediately.

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Steve Kayuni has been suspended in relation to the matter.