By Wezzie Gausi:
The Office of the Ombudsman has disclosed that it has finalised its investigation into the alleged irregularities in the shortlisting and interview process for two candidates for the position of director general (DG) at the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The office has since clarified that it did not halt the appointment process for the ACB boss but instead launched an investigation into the matter.
In an interview, Ombudsman spokesperson Mandy Pondani said that the office had received complaints of maladministration regarding the shortlisting of Hilary Chilomba and Oscar Taulo for the ACB DG position.
Chilomba is currently acting as the bureau’s DG, while Taulo is a private-practice lawyer.
Pondani explained that a determination would be issued in due course after all procedures were completed in compliance with applicable laws and due process.
“The Office of the Ombudsman did not stop the appointment process. Rather, we received a complaint alleging acts of maladministration in the shortlisting and interviewing process.
“An inquiry into the matter was conducted on December 16, 2024, during which all concerned parties made written and verbal submissions,” Pondani said.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (Csat) has expressed concerns over what it describes as delays in concluding the investigation, citing its impact on the bureau’s operations.
Csat Executive Director Willy Kambwandira said it was unfortunate that the investigation had taken longer than expected.
“This leaves the bureau in a vulnerable and awkward position. Strategic decisions cannot be made by an acting DG, which frustrates the fight against corruption and demoralises ACB staff.
“Parliament must take decisive steps in 2025 to ensure the bureau’s true independence,” Kambwandira said.
He further criticised the bureau’s purported lack of autonomy, describing it as “independence on paper.”
The Ombudsman’s determination is expected to clarify whether the shortlisting process adhered to the law, potentially shaping the future of ACB leadership.
This follows President Lazarus Chakwera’s directive to reappoint Chilomba, the ACB deputy DG, as acting Director General to allow the Ombudsman’s office to conclude its investigation.
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