LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is set to reissue a restriction notice on the MK128.7 billion Amaryllis Hotel transaction within two days, aiming to prevent payment of the outstanding balance until the investigation is concluded.
Acting Director General Gabriel Chembezi disclosed this before the Public Accounts Committee in Lilongwe, emphasizing the bureau’s commitment to conclusively investigating the matter.
Chembezi’s statement comes after Chairperson Steven Baba Malondera demanded concrete action and timelines from the ACB.
“We are going to immediately issue another restriction notice to prevent payment of the balance until the matter is conclusively investigated and we are going to come back within two days with the timelines,” Chembezi told lawmakers.
This move is part of the ACB’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the transaction.
The development follows revelations that only part of the purchase price has been paid, with a significant balance still outstanding.
Malondera had pressed Chembezi to deliver results with clear deadlines, emphasizing the need for evidence-based investigations.
Malondera stressed that the ACB should not be seen as merely holding talk shows, but rather as an institution committed to doing its job based on evidence.
Chembezi responded that the bureau stands ready to reopen investigations and will engage other authorities, including the Financial Intelligence Authority, where necessary.
The ACB had previously cleared the transaction, but concerns have been raised about the valuation of the hotel and potential governance issues.
The Malawi Law Society had also expressed concerns about procedural irregularities and incomplete information regarding the transaction.