President Hichilema sacks board of Anti-Corruption Commission

President Hakainde Hichilema has dissolved the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board with immediate effect, according to an announcement from the Presidency.

Hichilema’s decision was based on Article 270 of the Constitution and Section 26 of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act Chapter 2 of the Laws of Zambia.

Chief Communications Specialist at State House, Clayson Hamasaka, confirmed the decision in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.

“The President’s decision is intended to renew the Anti-Corruption Commission’s mandate in spearheading the fight against corruption and to implement necessary reforms to ensure the continued effective operations of the Commission,” Hamasaka stated.

Hamasaka stated the President’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards any corrupt practices.

“President Hichilema thanks and wishes the outgoing Board of Commissioners well in their future endeavors,” he added.

This move followed recent revelations by Dr. Obrien Kaaba, an ACC Board Member and University of Zambia (UNZA) Lecturer, who exposed significant looting of the Treasury involving State Chambers, allegedly facilitated by the ACC.

“State Chambers are at the forefront of looting the Treasury and are strong allies of corruption,” Kaaba claimed.

Kaaba further asserted that the ACC had been compromised and was unable to fight corruption in its current state. “Judges are identified outside Lusaka to sign off corrupt settlements,” he alleged.

Kaaba also mentioned that the vigorous anti-corruption fight Hichilema initiated when he took office had lost momentum.

He accused institutions charged with fighting corruption of merely “massaging, bandaging, and covering up” corrupt activities.

This situation reportedly led to the resignation of ACC Director General Thom Shamakamba, who allegedly threatened Kaaba for his revelations.

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.