LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) chairperson Steven Malondera has lodged complaints against Acting Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Gabriel Chembezi and Alexious Kamangila for interfering the committee’s probe in the ongoing Amaryllis Hotel purchase saga.
PAC chairperson Malondera is responding to Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) letter which the the grouping wrote to PAC demanding immediate formal reporting and legal action over allegations of improper influence linked to a parliamentary inquiry.
In a letter dated April 20, 2026, signed by HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba, the organization says it is treating the matter with “utmost urgency and seriousness” following public claims involving lawyer Alexious Kamangira and the alleged purchase of Amaryllis Hotel.
HRCC notes that Kamangira has publicly accused Malondera of receiving money to influence the outcome of a parliamentary investigation, claims which the PAC chairperson has disputed.
According to HRCC, Malondera had in turn alleged that Kamangira has been persistently contacting him in an attempt to influence decisions aimed at protecting the Acting Director General of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The rights body says the allegations and counter allegations raise serious concerns including possible corruption, abuse of public office and interference in parliamentary processes.
HRCC has further warned that the developments risk eroding public trust in Parliament and other oversight institutions if not handled transparently and lawfully.
Citing provisions under the Corrupt Practices Act and the Penal Code, HRCC says both influencing and attempting to influence a public officer constitute criminal offences under Malawian law.
The organization has also pointed to the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act, warning that any interference in parliamentary proceedings could amount to contempt of Parliament and attract sanctions.
HRCC says by placing the matter in the public domain, Malondera has triggered expectations for formal reporting and decisive institutional action.
The committee has since called on Malondera to lodge a formal complaint against Kamangira with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Malawi Police Service and the Office of the Speaker of Parliament.
It has also urged the PAC chairperson to submit all supporting evidence including communication records, witnesses and any documentation that can substantiate his claims.
HRCC has warned that failure to act may force the body to petition law enforcement agencies to independently investigate the matter and refer it to Parliament as a possible breach of constitutional and statutory duties.
The organization has further indicated it may publicly push for Malondera’s accountability including possible removal from his position, if the matter is not addressed.
HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba has since stressed that the issue goes beyond personal disputes, describing it as one that strikes at the heart of parliamentary integrity and the fight against corruption.
The body has given Malondera seven days to act, emphasizing that allegations of such magnitude must move from public rhetoric to formal legal processes.
But in a leaked document dated April 22, 2025 which Malondera has confirmed its authentic, PAC chairperson has raised a series of allegations of undue influence, abuse of office, and corrupt conduct against Chembezi.
The allegations are contained in a letter which Malondera has written Chembezi and coped to several high offices including the President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Malawi Law Society.
Here are ten key points from the letter:
1. Solicitation of Favorable Outcome: Chembezi allegedly requested that Kamsiyamo “clear” him in the PAC inquiry into the Amaryllis transaction in order to secure his substantive appointment as ACB Director General.
2. Request for Protection During Inquiry: On 12 March 2026, just before appearing before the PAC inquiry, Chembezi allegedly called Kamsiyamo seeking assurances that he would be “protected” during his testimony.
3. Unsolicited Private Engagements: The complaint alleges Chembezi initiated multiple private and informal meetings, including at a private residence (Africa House) and inside Kamsiyamo’s vehicle, to discuss matters related to the ongoing inquiry.
4. Alleged Quid Pro Quo Involving ACB Dockets: Chembezi is accused of suggesting he could assist Hon. Eisenhower Mkaka in an ACB matter if Kamsiyamo supported efforts to “clear” him in the PAC inquiry.
5. Attempted Use of Official Resources: Chembezi allegedly offered to fuel Kamsiyamo’s private vehicle using an official ACB fuel card, an offer that was declined.
6. Use of Investigative Files as Leverage: The complaint states that Chembezi presented a docket involving Hon. Bester Awali on maize distribution, which Kamsiyamo interpreted as an attempt to exert pressure using active investigations.
7. Alleged Threat of Selective Prosecution: Chembezi reportedly presented allegations of financial misconduct involving K1.1 billion linked to Kamsiyamo’s past role as Deputy Minister, which the complainant views as retaliatory pressure after refusing to influence the inquiry.
8. Offer to Influence Other High-Profile Cases: Chembezi allegedly suggested he could “clear” the Leader of Opposition in relation to the Greenbelt Initiative as a “token of appreciation” if Kamsiyamo assisted in clearing him.
9. Conflict of Interest Concerns: The complaint further raises concerns over Chembezi’s conduct in relation to a sale agreement involving the Public Service Pension Trust Fund while serving as Acting Director General of the ACB.
10. Use of Third-Party Emissary: Kamsiyamo alleges that Chembezi engaged Mr. Alexius Kamangila as an intermediary, who allegedly threatened to publicly delegitimize Kamsiyamo and the PAC if he did not clear Chembezi.
Chembezi is yet to respond on the complaints raised against him.
