It has been noted that some State House staff are allegedly using President Lazarus Chakwera’s name in soliciting and receiving money from prospective bidders of public procurement in exchange for a promise to influence awarding of public contracts.
The officials are also reportedly using the president’s name and that of State House to unlawfully acquire public land for private use.
In a leaked memo dated 15th February 2022, State Residences Chief of Staff, Prince Kapondamgaga describes the acts as unprofessional, unacceptable, and constitute gross indiscipline that will not be tolerated.
Presidential Press Secretary Anthony Kasunda confirms the memo is authentic but does not mention who the irresponsible officers are and the punishments that will follow.
“In terms of actions taken to discipline those engaged in malpractices that violate the code of conduct of the State House, all I can say is that these are administrative matters that are disposed of internally for security reasons,” says Kasunda in a written response.
Previously, the State House was also embroiled in the infamous Crossroads Hotel-gate scandal but the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s (ACB) investigation concluded it had not committed any crime.
