ACB Reintroduces Property Transfer Vetting System to Curb Corruption
Published on November 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has reintroduced the vetting and clearance system for all change-of-ownership applications involving motor vehicles, houses, and land. The directive takes effect today, 13 November 2025.
In a statement released in Lilongwe and signed by Acting Director General Gabriel Chembezi, the ACB said all transactions in these categories must now be submitted to the Bureau for approval before ownership transfers are finalized. The measure aims to prevent the disposal or concealment of property suspected to be linked to corrupt practices.
The Bureau suspended the vetting system in August 2021 but had indicated that it could be reinstated if necessary. Chembezi said prevailing circumstances have now changed, and the Bureau believes the renewed checks are essential to protect the public interest.
The ACB has since informed all relevant public institutions, including the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Malawi Housing Corporation, and various Municipal, City, and District Councils, about the new requirement.
To reduce delays, the Bureau has committed to completing the vetting and clearance process within four working days.
