By Chisomo Phiri
BLANTYRE-(Maravi Post)-The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has moved to save face by suspending its Chikwawa District Governor Frighton Mphompho who initiated the case against Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General Martha Chizuma for her infamous leaked audio.
Mphompho last month petitioned the Mzuzu Magistrate court to commence a criminal case against Chizuma for breaking her oath of secrecy as ACB boss under the Corrupt Practices Act.
A statement released by the party’s spokesperson Yusuf Mwawa on Thursday, April 21, 2022, states that the party is surprised to learn from social media outlets about the involvement of UDF member in the case hence the decision to suspend him.
“UDF is dismayed with his alleged involvement in this case as his alleged actions are serious and that bring the party into disrepute by virtue of his position as UDF District Governor.
“Mr. Mphompho is alleged to have acted in his personal capacity and his alleged actions do not represent the views of the party in this matter,” reads the statement in part.
In the case which Mphompho brought to the Mzuzu Magistrate Court, being presided over by Senior Resident Magistrate Godfrey Nyirenda, an order was given for the Malawi Police Service and the Director of Public Prosecution to ascertain if criminal charges can be initiated against Chizuma.
In his ruling, Nyirenda said the authority to investigate Chizuma on the leaked audio lies in the Director of Public Prosecution.
Chizuma is also facing defamation case which was lodged by Ashok Nair who sued her for alleging in the leaked audio that he bribed authorities to gain favorable decisions.
High placed sources with law enforcing agency on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 confided in this publication that Chizuma is expected to be arrested on leaked audio saga.
Chizuma who is currently abroad on private trip will be arrested upon arrival in the capital Lilongwe.
She left Malawi on Sunday, April 10, 2022 to meet and convince “her financiers about her allegiance on corruption fight in the country”, according to sources at ACB.
This following Office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Steven Kayuni endorsing Chizuma’s arrest after studying a court order to decide the possibility of commencing criminal charges on a leaked audio that contravenes ACB office’ oath.
