HRCC asks Parliament to act on Chizuma audio
Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has asked Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament to investigate the leaked audio of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma to bring closure on the matter.
HRCC has made the request after a commission of inquiry investigating the December 6 2022 arrest of Chizuma recommended action against the her over the audio.
In a letter to Parliament dated January 24 2023 signed by HRCC chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba, the committee said they were not certain if Chizuma was capable of working out corruption cases while faced with lawsuits over the viral audio.
Reads the letter in part: “We are concerned that as it stands, every person who was mentioned in that audio has the right to seek legal redress from the courts and time may not matter.
“This will continue rendering the work of the ACB or the director challenging and almost unattainable unless this matter is resolved…”
HRCC further said Parliament has legislative mandate, as such, it should allow PAC to look into the matter and clear the ACB boss, hoping this will put to rest all matters surrounding the viral audio and guarantee justice for all.
In an interview yesterday, PAC chairperson Joyce Chitsulo acknowledged receipt of the HRCC letter and said they were seeking legal advice on the matter.
She said: “We received the letter on Tuesday but then we haven’t discussed it as a committee. We will find time to look into it. But, first, we will be seeking legal guidance on way the forward.”
The leaked audio conversation between Chizuma and a third party in January 2022 stirred debate as some quarters said it was a huge scandal and called for the immediate resignation of the ACB boss.
However, in a public address on the matter President said he would not be fire Chizuma as he considers her a true fighter against corruption.
In the audio, Chizuma put in the spotlight churches, judges, lawyers and the Presidency as not helping matters in the United Kingdom-based business person Zuneth Sattar case. Sattar is being investigated for corruption in that country.
