President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the reappointment of the deputy director for the Anti-Corruption Bureau Hilary Chilomba as acting director general.

According to Presidential Press Secretary Anthony Kasunda this is to allow “for the conclusion of the Ombudsman independent investigation into whether the process for the shortlisting of candidates was in compliance with the law,”

Kasunda said the President’s order was made two days ago.

The ombudsman is investigating Chilomba and Counsel Oscar Taulo on allegations that they do not have requisite qualifications and experience yet they were shortlisted and interviewed for the position of ACB director general.

The reappointment of Chilomba also cures a power vacuum at the ACB.

Under the Corrupt Practices Act, the acting director for ACB can only do so for a period not exceeding six months.
Chilomba’s mandate as acting director general expired two days ago.