Chizuma case on new DPP’s radar

New Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala says scrutinising of a defamation case against Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma is among assignments on his to-do list.

He made the pledge in an interview yesterday after the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament confirmed him as the new DPP to replace fired Steven Kayuni with 14 votes out of 16.

Chamkakala said with him at the helm of the DPP’s chambers, Malawians should expect a new way of doing things. He conceded there is a lot of work to be done.

He also described as history conspicuous differences between the office under his predecessor and the ACB director general.

On how his office will handle offences against Chizuma filed by his predecessor over her leaked audio conversation, Chamkakala said he needed some time to look at the issues.

In a brief response, he said: “I will have to examine those and other matters once I get into office.”

Chizuma, who is expected to take plea on February 8 2023 in the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court under criminal case number 236 of 2023, is facing two counts of making use of speech to lower the authority of a person before whom a judicial proceeding is being handled which the State claims is against Section 113 (d) of the Penal Code.

The summons mentions the authority as High Court of Malawi Judge Simeon Mdeza whom it says Chizuma suggested took a bribe.

The second count is making use of speech capable of prejudicing a person against a party to judicial proceedings by indicating in the audio that he was corrupt and compromised.

And speaking to journalists after confirming Chamkakala, PAC chairperson Joyce Chitsulo said the members already knew the qualifications and competencies of the new DPP, having previously interviewed and confirmed him as director of the Legal Aid Bureau.

She described Chamkakala as a suitable candidate for the position, saying the committee was optimistic that he will deliver in his new role just as he did at his former office.

Said Chitsulo: “One of the things members wanted to learn from him was how he was going to make sure that there is harmony among the agencies fighting corruption and how he will enhance the working relationship between the offices of the DPP and the ACB.”

President Lazarus Chakwera removed Kayuni on January 18 this year following a report by a commission of inquiry headed by retired Justice of Appeal Edward Twea which faulted both Chizuma and Kayuni for lack of sound judgement.

The inquiry said Kayuni, who lodged a criminal defamation complaint against Chizuma, demonstrated lack of sound judgement by prioritising his self-interest over the responsibility of his office in relation to the leaked audio where Chizuma purportedly disclosed investigation details to a third party in January last year.

On the other hand, the report said Chizuma committed offences and that she also demonstrated lack of sound judgement in the leaked audio, and recommended appropriate action to deal with her conduct.

Following Kayuni’s complaint, police arrested Chizuma on December 6 2022 and drove her about 50 kilometres out of Lilongwe City to Namitete Police Station.

Meanwhile Pac  also confirmed Hillary Chilomba  as new deputy director general for ACB replacing Elia Bodole whose contract expired.

According to  Chitsulo, Chilomba got  14 votes, one voted no while one member abstained.

Speaking to journalists Chilomba said he is ready to serve his country.