MLS cautious on Chizuma’s dropped charges

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General, Martha Chizuma’s leaked audio drama has taken a fresh twist following the government’s decision to discontinue the criminal case against her.

Chizuma was facing criminal defamation charges arising from a leaked phone conversation in which she allegedly accused former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Judge Simeon Mdeza of being corrupt.

Confirming this at the weekend, recently appointed DPP, Masauko Chamkakala, said he resolved to close the case after reviewing it and consulting the Attorney General.

Ironically, the AG has recently been fanning the cases against Chizuma including hiring three private practice lawyers to challenge a High Court stay and constitutional review referral on the ACB chief’s linked interdiction.

According to Chamkakala; as DPP, he is required to advance the agenda for justice in line with the rule of law and to achieve that; he needs to clear all obstacles that block the paths of institutions like the ACB.

He has since expressed hope that his decision would ensure that the functionality of the ACB is not impeded.

Reports suggest that the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Collen Zamba, has already been formally communicated of the DPP’s decision.

Zamba had recently interdicted Chizuma citing the criminal charges that the ACB boss was facing in court.

On the other hand Chizuma’s legal backers are reacting cautiously to the authorities’ termination of criminal charges against her.

Meanwhile, the state hired lawyers have taken the DPP’s lead and withdrawn their appeal in the Supreme Court on a High Court stay and constitutional review referral concerning Chizuma’s resultant interdiction.

But while the private lawyers are expecting corresponding action from Chizuma’s sympathisers the Malawi Law Society (MLS).

The society’s president Patrick Mpaka insists they will make a proper decision once they process the developments.

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