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Transparency International-Zambia (TI-Z) has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to provide a detailed update on its investigation into Solicitor General Marshal Muchende, who is accused of receiving US$500,000 from a former liquidator.
TI-Z Chapter President, Priscilla Chansa, expressed concern over the lack of communication regarding the investigation, which was announced earlier this year.
She stated that the continued silence undermined public trust and raises doubts about the independence of the investigative process.
Chansa also criticised President Hakainde Hichilema’s failure to suspend Muchende during the ongoing investigation, suggesting that it sent a dangerous message about accountability in high-ranking government positions.
“Allegations surrounding his conduct were serious enough to warrant an investigation, yet the matter appears to have died a natural death,” Chansa said at a media briefing at TI-Z offices in Lusaka on Monday.
She emphasized that the investigation would be a critical test of the UPND administration’s commitment to combating corruption, particularly when the accused is a senior government official.
Chansa also pointed out that the ACC had disclosed that several cabinet ministers were under investigation for suspected corruption, yet they remained in office, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency.
She stressed that the reluctance to suspend these ministers during investigations eroded public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption agenda.
Further complicating the situation, Chansa noted, was the prolonged leadership vacuum at the ACC following the resignation of its Director General and the dissolution of its Board.
She warned that the absence of effective leadership at the commission could reverse any progress made in fighting corruption.
On the Mopani Copper Mines transaction, Chansa expressed dissatisfaction with the transparency of the deal, which had caused significant confusion. She criticized the Minister of Mines’ characterization of the transaction as a “reallocation of shares,” which she argued did little to alleviate concerns over the deal’s opaque nature.
“Public confidence demands clear and comprehensive disclosure of the transaction details,” Chansa stated, highlighting the financial implications for Zambia’s mining sector.
TI-Z plans to closely monitor developments related to the Mopani transaction and will issue a comprehensive position on it in the coming year, she said.
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