‘PAC will not summon Chizuma’

Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament says it cannot summon Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma for the leaked audio unless the appointing authority moves the committee.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, PAC chairperson Joyce Chitsulo said during the committee’s discussions they tackled the issue in question.

She said according to law, when there is an issue relating to the office of the ACB director general, it is the presidency, that is supposed to look into the matter and give direction.

“Apart from adoption of the programme and agenda, we also thought of discussing as a committee the issue which we all know is all over the social media regarding the ACB director.

“According to law, it is the appointing authority normally that writes or moves the committee to act in such issues regarding the office of the ACB director.

“However, the committee we said yes the issue is there and how do we move forward? So we have agreed that we wait observe and see what the appointing authority will do about it,” she said.

Chitsulo said the committee will not take action until it observes what the appointing authority will do about it.

In his national address last night, President Lazarus Chakwera said he met Chizuma and Justice Minister Titus Mvalo to discuss the leaked audio recording that has gone viral.

He said Chizuma accepted that the audio clip, which has sparked debate on whether or not she has broken the oath ofof secrecy, is authentic. Chakwera said the audio has sparked debate on whether or not Chizuma has broken the oath of secrecy.

The President further said although Chizuma’s conduct is enough to warrant her removal, he has instead given her a warning.