Controversy surrounds suspension of ACB Director General Martha Chizuma

The suspension of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General, Martha Chizuma, has sparked controversy and differing opinions among various organizations and experts in the country.

The Legal Affairs Committee (LAC) of Parliament’s Chairperson, Peter Dimba, stated that the interdiction was a well-choreographed script by the authorities and the committee was not surprised by the move.

On the other hand, National Anti-Corruption Alliance Chairperson Moses Mkandawire believes it is a systematic move by the government and that the recording of the leaked audio was orchestrated by someone in a position of authority.

The Malawi Law Society President, Patrick Mpaka, described the suspension letter as seriously misguided and perhaps issued without jurisdiction.

Law expert Jivason Kadzipatike, however, stated that it is normal for a person working in the public service to be interdicted if they are answering criminal charges in court.

“You would not expect the ACB Director to be an exception. It was going to be awkward if government allowed her to continue working while answering criminal charges. People should differentiate the Office of the Vice President, which is regulated by the Constitution and the office of a public servant like Chizuma,” Kadzipatike said.

The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) expressed shock at the news of Chizuma’s interdiction.

In a statement, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa accused the government of suspending Chizuma to protect individuals who have been fired from the cabinet and the President’s cronies who are looting the country’s resources.

The statement also questioned the need for the ACB during President Chakwera’s regime.

In conclusion, the suspension of Martha Chizuma has sparked mixed reactions from different organizations and experts in Malawi, with some accusing the government of interdicting her to protect its interests and others stating it was a normal procedure for a public servant facing criminal charges.

“I think government officials appreciate or enjoy collusive corruption because why would they, at this critical juncture, suspend Martha Chizuma when we all know that the President forgave her? We can therefore suspect that the recording of the said leaked audio was somehow orchestrated by someone in a position of authority,” National Anti-Corruption Alliance chairperson Moses Mkandawire said.