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Independent AfricaMalawi State fails in attempt to fire anti-corruption chief

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Malawi State fails in attempt to fire anti-corruption chief

The government’s attempt to have Martha Chizuma, the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), reinstated was rejected by a high court in Malawi.

Ms. Chizuma was detained due to the fact that she was charged with a crime for allegedly defaming several high-ranking government officials.

The allegedly defamatory statements are found in a covertly recorded private conversation she had with a non-officer. She was purportedly heard on tape accusing some of the highest-ranking members of the judiciary and government of undermining the fight against corruption.

Last year, the recording was produced and widely shared online. Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera claimed at the time that he had censured Ms. Chizuma for the remarks.

The president, however, said he would not sack her because he considered the secret recording and its circulation to be “corruption fighting back.”

The secretary to the president and cabinet, Colleen Zamba, nonetheless interdicted Ms Chizuma late last week.

The interdiction was set aside by court on Monday following an application by the Malawi Law Society.

On Tuesday, the government filed an urgent application to suspend the order that stopped Ms Chizuma’s interdiction, which the court has now rejected.

Early on Wednesday, the US and the UK – two of Malawi’s main donors – expressed “deep concern” with government actions which they said undermined the credibility of the country’s fight against corruption.

Ms Chizuma is seen as a committed anti-corruption crusader.

She has so far indicted the country’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, and several other high-profile individuals over corruption and has hinted there will be even more arrests. The vice president has denied any wrongdoing, and his case is now awaiting the commencement of trial.

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