By 
The Socialist Party has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to disclose the names of ministers and other government officials currently under investigation for alleged corrupt practices.
The demand followed an announcement by ACC Deputy Director-General, Monica Chipanta Mwansa, that the Commission was investigating some cabinet ministers and government officials.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Socialist Party Deputy Secretary-General, Antonio Mwanza, criticised the ACC for shielding alleged criminals within the government.
“The behaviour of the ACC to shield alleged criminals in government is totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated,” Mwanza stated.
He expressed his concern over the ACC’s refusal to reveal the names of those under investigation, contrasting it with the Commission’s readiness to announce the names of ordinary Zambians suspected of corruption.
“This same ACC is quick to publicly announce the names of ordinary Zambians who are merely suspected and not even under formal investigations, but when it comes to the ruling elite, it finds it prudent to hide the names of the suspected criminals,” he said.
Mwanza argued that such double standards have turned the fight against corruption into a sham, eroding public faith and confidence in the ACC and similar state institutions.
Read More: Livingstone Mayor, Muleabai, under investigation for corruption, ACC says
He described it as a “joke and a mockery of justice” to expect the ACC to effectively investigate a minister while they remained in office, citing their power and influence as potential tools to intimidate ACC officials and obstruct investigations.
He called on the ministers under investigation to step aside to ensure a fair and free inquiry by the ACC.
“Naming them will put public pressure on the state to have them step aside and that is the only way the ACC can effectively investigate and prosecute them,” Mwanza stated.
He also reminded President Hakainde Hichilema of his campaign promise to remove any government official under investigation to allow for a transparent process, accusing him of failing to fulfill this pledge.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments