Chizuma dares corrupt officials

Tormented Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma yesterday cautioned “people in power, with money and political connections” that their status will not protect them from prosecution if they engage in corruption.

Speaking during commemorations of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day in Kasungu, she warned corrupt individuals that under her leadership, they will not escape the long arm of the law.

This was Chizuma’s first public engagement since her six-hour controversial arrest at 4am on Tuesday, which generated public fury.

Scores of police officers raided her residence following a complaint to the law enforcement agency by Director of Public Prosecutions Steven Kayuni over a leaked audio recording that discussed corruption issues.

But sounding composed, Chizuma in a 25-minute speech delivered in Chichewa said the bureau would not be deterred by threats from those with political connections, money or power.

“You may think you are untouchable because of your connections. That is a fantasy. The money you are abusing is for the 19 million Malawians. They contributed to it through taxes with the hope it will be used for buying drugs, constructing roads and public schools and other developmental projects.

“So, we are working tirelessly to bring every corruption case to book, and we will do this without regard to your political affiliation, office, wealth, power or whatever you think can protect you.

“If you acquired anything fraudulently, we will pounce on you,” she said.  

Chizuma also disclosed that since she assumed the office, some individuals have tried hard, to discredit her staff, the bureau and suppress its operations to cover themselves. She, however, challenged that such individuals will eventually be exposed.

“Let me challenge you that at ACB, we know all your tactics aimed at discrediting us. But we notice all those tactics and remain resolute in our fight against corruption. So, don’t waste your time,” she warned.

Chizuma, however, admitted that investigating corruption cases was complicated, “and usually requires sufficient time to conclude before taking the cases to court”. 

“Last year, we promised Malawians that we will embark on lifestyle audits. I am pleased to report that a lifestyle audit manual was already developed and presented to a committee of principal secretaries and shortly it will be forwarded to Cabinet for approval. But that does not mean we do not currently have the powers to conduct lifestyle audits.

“The ACB has uncovered houses, vehicles and several other properties that are being investigated because we have sufficient reasons that they were corruptly acquired. The courts have started ordering that the property should not be sold and as ACB we are doing everything possible to get these properties back to Malawians,” said Chizuma. 

In his speech, President Lazarus Chakwera said there was nothing romantic about the fight against corruption as it was not just a fight to clean up governance institutions, recover stolen resources, fight for justice or a better Malawi, but a fight for people’s very lives.

Describing Chizuma as “my anti-corruption champion”, the President said the fight against corruption was costly and dangerous and “those who have corrupted our system will not go quietly”.

“They will not lay down their weapons and simply surrender. They will not come here to this event and shake hands to make peace. They are against everything we stand for. They are determined to stop our efforts. They have vowed to use every means to make sure their dark empire survives, including violence and murder,” he lamented while encouraging Chizuma to continue fighting corrupt individuals.

On her recent arrest, Chakwera said threats and attacks against anti-corruption activists started a long time ago and they are perpetuated by individuals who strive to conceal their corrupt deals.

He cited the murder of former ACB director Issa Njauju as well as the mysterious death of top police investigator Bob Mtekama who was investigating Njauju’s death.

“All these, plus the attack and arrest of Chizuma in her house at night, before her children and in their pyjamas a few days ago, show that the perpetrators of corruption are not ready to give up, but we must all stand up against them,” said the President.

Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo reminded Malawians of their obligation to ensure a corruption-free country by practising integrity and portraying principles of transparency and accountability in their day to day dealings.

“Without this, citizens lose trust in their government and their participation in development is compromised,” he said.

During the event, attended by representatives of the donor community, Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, chiefs, civil society organisations and academics, among others, Chakwera also launched the Umunthu Anthem whose message invites citizens to be patriotic and advance the fight against corruption for improved governance, service delivery and welfare of citizens.

The song is in English, Chichewa and Tumbuka, but it will be available in other languages as well.

ACB invited musicians to record the Umunthu Anthem and 86 songs were presented. However, Zomba-based Roy Kwelepeta was the eventual winner. He returned home yesterday, K2 million richer.