Kalindo threatens to close Chizuma, AG’s offices

Comedian-cum-politician Bon Kalindo has threatened to seal offices of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma and Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda if they do not provide information on businessperson Zuneth Sattar’s probe.

In an audio clip released on Sunday evening, Kalindo gave Chizuma and Chakaka Nyirenda seven days to provide Malawians with details of their joint investigation with Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) of Sattar, a British national with permanent residence permit in Malawi.

He said allowing the NCA access to Malawi’s security agencies and its weapon facilities posed a threat to the country’s security.

Said Kalindo in the audio: “If other people know the state of the Malawi’s weapons isn’t it a security threat? Who has sent these foreign investigators? Does it mean that the Attorney General and the Anti-Corruption Bureau have failed to investigate?

He said if AG and ACB fail to give information on the investigation he will mobilise Malawians to hold demonstrations and close the two public offices.

Kalindo said: “Have you [Chizuma and Nyirenda] interrogated the people or company that bought the weapons, because you were supposed to first investigate who bought the weapons and the security agent that benefited.

“So, I am giving you seven days Martha Chizuma and the Attorney General to explain to Malawians on the issue to do with the weapons. If you feel that the offices of the Attorney General and ACB cannot work together, you better both resign.”

In an interview yesterday, Kalindo owned up the audio clip, saying he recorded it on Sunday evening after being let down by the pace at which the alleged investigation was progressing.

He said Chizuma should also explain why it was taking long to arrest people suspected to be involved in the Sattar case.

Kalindo said: “I am not siding with anybody, but this is to do with national security. Giving foreigners access to weapons will create a loophole that enemies will attack us one day.

“I am also surprised that Chizuma is delaying the Sattar matter because she has the list of people involved. What makes her not to execute her duties and arrest the suspects?”

Chakaka Nyirenda said in an interview yesterday that he respected Kalindo’s views and that he would not comment on the matter.

“The stand I have taken is that I will not comment on that. I will respect Kalindo’s opinions,” he said.

Chizuma could not be reached for comment on several attempts.

Sattar is under investigation by the bureau alongside the NCA in relation to alleged procurement offences and corrupt practices.

On December 31 2021, ACB arrested Minister of Lands Kezzie Msukwa for allegedly obtaining bribes.