Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has shortlisted eight candidates out of 50 hopefuls for the position of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director-general to fill a vacancy created in May 2024.
The ministry’s spokesperson Frank Namangale, in an interview yesterday, confirmed that eight have been shortlisted and that selection interviews are scheduled for April 16 to 17 2026.
But he declined to disclose the names of the shortlisted candidates, citing confidentiality requirements.
“The names of shortlisted candidates are confidential, but Malawians must be assured that the interview and selection process of the new ACB director-general will be transparent and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit,” said Namangale.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango last evening also said he did not have the names of the shortlisted candidates because he has “left the shortlisting and interviews entirely in the hands of the selection panel”.
“I have not interfered and I don’t intend to interfere in the recruitment process until the selection panel is through with the process and they submit the final three names to my office,” he said.
By law, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs advertises for the position in newspapers before a special committee convened by the Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice shortlists and interviews the candidates and submit three names for final appointment by the President.
The position of ACB director-general became vacant in May 2024 when the contract of Martha Chizuma expired and since her departure, the bureau has operated under acting leadership.
Former president Lazarus Chakwera initially appointed deputy director-general Hillary Chilomba in an acting capacity for a statutory maximum period of six months before it was extended to allow for the conclusion of an independent investigation instituted by the Office of the Ombudsman into the recruitment process.
In November 2025, following his triumph in the September 16 General Election, President Peter Mutharika appointed Gabriel Chembezi as acting director-general, a position he continues to hold.
Malawi Law Society honorary secretary Francis Mmame welcomed the progress and described it as a step in the right direction.
He noted that the ongoing recruitment process is aligned with Section 6A of the Corrupt Practices Act (CPA) which governs the appointment of the ACB Director General.
Said Mmame: “It is encouraging to see progress being made, particularly considering that the Bureau has been operating under acting leadership since the expiry of Ms. Martha Chizuma’s contract.
“Concluding this process in a timely and transparent manner is important for maintaining institutional stability and strengthening public confidence in the fight against corruption.”
Under Sections 11 and 12 of the CPA, the ACB chief holds extensive powers, including authorising investigations and prosecutions, functions that are central to the bureau’s mandate.
