The newly confirmed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala has said all charges against Martha Chizuma, the Director General of Anti- Corruption Bureau have been dropped.
The bombshell marks a remarkable turnaround by President Lazarus Chakwera who has attracted bad local and international press and was facing sanctions and travel ban after the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union told him hands off the ACB.
US Ambassador to Malawi Andrew Young called prosecution of Chizuma as harrassment and bashed a Commission of Inquiry set by Chakwera as having produced “unbalanced report.”
Chakwera who had told the diplomats that he would call them when he needs them, was covered in International media including the influential African Confidential whose subscribed readers include senior political and business leaders across the world.
Chamkakala said that Chakwera has directed that all court cases against Chizuma be dropped.
Chamkakala who is reported to have spoken to private radio station Zodiak confirming the decision.
Chizuma was dragged to court by Malawi Police Services and Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba interdicted her a decision that was challenged by the Malawi Law Society.
The battle to remove Chizuma hinges on cases related to Zuneth Sattar and The Investigator Magazine on Friday confirmed a list of officials that were to be placed on travel ban and their families expelled from the UK and USA.
Indeed, this is good news about the charges against Chizuma being dropped. It should follow that she is no longer interdicted. However, the article does not explicitly state that.