Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has cancelled its scheduled engagement with former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba as part of its inquiry into the purchase of Amaryllis Hotel.
Zamba was due to appear before the committee to explain her alleged involvement in the Public Service Pension Trust Fund’s acquisition of the hotel located in Blantyre.
The committee had earlier indicated it would use all legal means to ensure she attends the meeting.
PAC vice-chairperson Tulinje Muluzi yesterday confirmed the cancellation, but declined to give reasons and saying the committee will communicate its position after a meeting tomorrow.
from Parliament secretariat during a previous hearing. | Nation
The development comes a week after Zamba’s lawyer, George Kadzipatike, wrote Parliament on April 21 indicating she would not appear before the committee, citing medical treatment abroad and an ongoing court case related to the Amaryllis Hotel deal.
In an interview yesterday, the lawyer maintained that his client cannot participate in the inquiry while the matter is before the courts.
“When we are in Parliament, we also avoid discussing matters that are in court,” he said, adding that Zamba remains outside the country receiving treatment and has not received further communication from the committee.
Legal expert John Gift Mwakhwawa said if the charges Zamba is facing relate to the subject of the inquiry, she would be justified in declining to testify.
“She will be within her rights to say she can’t go and testify and implicate herself. In the matter before court, she has the right to remain silent,” he said.
Mwakhwawa added that even if compelled to appear, Zamba could still exercise her right to silence, raising questions about the value of enforcing her attendance.
PAC had earlier concluded its inquiry and produced a report, but government and other stakeholders objected to its tabling, arguing that key figures, including Zamba and Yusuf Investment Limited, had not been heard.
The committee subsequently reopened the inquiry to allow submissions from those mentioned in the deal. Others invited include Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, former Reserve Bank governor McDonald Mafuta Mwale and National Bank of Malawi.
So far, only Mwale has appeared before the committee since the hearings resumed on April 22 2026.
