ACC clears Shamenda, Kamwbili

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cleared Minister of Labour Fackson Shamenda and his Sports counterpart Chishimba Kambwili for alleged corrupt practices.

This is contained in a third quarter Report made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by ACC Public Relations Manager Timothy Moono.

Mr. Moono said in arriving at Shamenda’s case, the Commission took into consideration, among other issues, the circumstances and likelihood of any investigation disclosing facts that would prove that an offence was committed under the Anti-Corruption Act.

He said in doing so, the Commission relied on the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

He further said even though the Commission noted that the report made to the Commission was made outside the stipulated time provided for in the Act for Public Officials to report cases of corruption, the Commission did not and has no intention of prosecuting the Minister.

He said the Commission considered all the circumstances regarding the matter and concluded that there was reasonable cause for the Minister not to make the report within the stipulated 24hours and that it will not take further action in this matter.

Mr. Moono also disclosed that ACC has cleared Minister of Youth and Sports Chishimba Kambwili of allegations of abuse of authority of office over congratulatory advertisements that were placed in the print media regarding his acquisition of a degree from the Copper Stone University.

He said after thorough analysis of the evidence collected, the allegations were not proven and recommendations were made to the Ministry for administrative action against some officials as there was insufficient evidence for prosecution.

In a related development, the ACC also cleared former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Amos Malupenga in a matter where he is alleged to have received a bribe from a company that was bidding for the Digital Migration Tender.

Mr. Moono said the allegations were not substantiated and the case has since been closed.

He also revealed that ACC has cleared Pambashi MP and former Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela of a case where he is alleged to have abused Constituency Development Funds.

He said the allegations have not been substantiated and the matter has now been closed.

Meanwhile, the ACC has disclosed that investigations into alleged abuse of authority of office against former Minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo concerning the cancellation of the hunting concessions awarded by ZAWA have reached an advanced stage and are nearing conclusion.

Mr. Moono said the alleged abuse of authority of office against the former Minister in which she is alleged to have feted some named traditional leader using public funds during a civil matter in court against her have been concluded and evidence is currently being analysed.

He further disclosed that the alleged abuse of authority of office against former Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Administration Anna Mwitwa has been referred to the National Prosecutions Authority for possible consent to prosecute.

Mr. Moono further disclosed that with regard to allegations of corruption involving Rogers Mwewa, the matters have also been referred to the National Prosecutions Authority for possible consent to prosecute.