Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) says the acquittal of Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya is not a surprise to the organization, given that the different developments including the unexpected testimony that was presented by the Investigation Officer from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as well as the recent nuanced remarks made by President Lungu on the general conduct of the fight against corruption.
Organization Executive Director Maurice Nyambe, said in a statement that the decision of the Court, reinforces the essence of the rule of law, where all those who are accused of any wrongdoing are given the opportunity to be heard in a fair and open trial.
“Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has noted the decision of the Lusaka Magistrate Court to acquit Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya on all four charges that were slapped on him,” Mr Nyambe said.
“We wish to state that the acquittal has not come as a surprise to us given the different developments including the unexpected testimony that was presented by the Investigation Officer from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as well as the recent nuanced remarks made by President Lungu on the general conduct of the fight against corruption.”
Mr Nyambe has however expressed deep concern with the apparent lack of preparedness by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to prosecute the case.
He underscored the fact that such actions tend to erode public confidence in an important institution such as the ACC.
“It is nevertheless our fervent hope that in future, the Commission will meticulously prepare for any case that they prosecute in order to avoid such incidents. We therefore implore the ACC to introspect and learn the lessons that this case has provided.”
Mr Nyamabe has since encouraged Commission not to be demotivated by this apparent setback, but to remain resolute in executing their legal mandate of fighting corruption regardless of who is involved in the scourge.
“There is still a lot of work to be done out there and the ACC cannot afford to wallow in self-pity and therefore allow the corrupt to have a field day,” he noted.
“This work is not easy but it has to be done and the ACC should continue to serve the nation without fear or favor.”
Yesterday, Lusaka Magistrate Court acquitted Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya who was being prosecuted on corruption charges after the state said they had no more evidence against him.
Dr Chilufya was facing four counts of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.