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Former Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director- General, Thom Shamakamba, faces accusations of facilitating corruption involving a pharmaceutical company, according to allegations made by Dr. O’Brien Kaaba, a former ACC board member, in his defense at the Ndola High Court.
Kaaba claimed that Shamakamba improperly released suspects’ passports without justification, aiding their escape from jurisdiction.
These suspects reportedly remained at large.
He further alleged that Shamakamba’s decisions included the unjustified release of US$6 million in frozen assets and accused him of retaliating against ACC staff who reported corruption while obstructing investigations involving top officials.
Kaaba also claimed that Shamakamba promised immunity to a suspect in exchange for illicit funds and threatened complainants who reported corruption.
He argued that Shamakamba’s tenure was marked by unethical behavior and criticized the lack of transparency in his appointment, which he suggested was based on a “tap-on-the-shoulder” rather than a merit-based process.
In response, Shamakamba filed a libel lawsuit against Dr. Kaaba and the Daily Revelation newspaper, seeking $500 million in damages over a July 15-16, 2024, article that accused him of corruption and kickbacks.
Shamakamba is demanding compensation for libel, mental anguish, stress, and a public apology, as well as exemplary and punitive damages for the harm to his reputation.
Kaaba, in his defense, argued that his articles exposing corruption at the ACC were not defamatory and that Shamakamba’s actions as Director-General were highly problematic.
He highlighted instances where Shamakamba allegedly undermined the fight against corruption, mishandled cases, and unjustly transferred ACC staff.
Kaaba also pointed to the lack of progress in high-profile corruption cases involving current government officials during Shamakamba’s tenure.
Kaaba noted that Shamakamba’s conduct had been widely criticized, including by former ACC board chairperson, Musa Mwenye S.C. and the President of Zambia.
He cited a specific instance involving accused individuals in a Ministry of Finance scandal, suggesting Shamakamba shielded them from prosecution, allowing some to retain senior positions in government despite serious corruption allegations.
Kaaba further argued that Shamakamba’s appointment process was secretive and lacked the merit-based transparency required by law, contributing to the Law Association of Zambia’s decision not to ratify his appointment.
He claimed that the ACC Board had formally complained to the President about Shamakamba’s conduct, citing multiple shortcomings and calling for his removal.
Shamakamba’s lawsuit seeks a retraction of the article and damages for the alleged defamation, asserting that the publication caused him severe personal and professional distress.
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