The Lusaka Magistrate Court has summoned Anti-Corruption Commission -ACC- Acting Director-General, Rosemary Khuzwayo, to show cause why she should not be cited for Contempt of Court.
Chief Resident Magistrate, Lameck Mwale wants Ms Khuzwayo to appear in court tomorrow, in relation to the alleged suspension of ACC Investigations Officer, Chipampe Manda.
This is after Mr Manda testified in a matter where Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya stands charged with four counts of alleged corrupt practices.
During continued trial today, Dr Chilufya’s Lawyer, Tutwa Ngulube applied that, Ms Khuzwayo, Secretary to the ACC and Directors be summoned to confirm the suspension of Mr Manda.
This is in relation to whether any action was taken against Mr Manda, in view of an ACC Internal Memorandum, dated August 7, 2020.
According to the Internal Memorandum, ACC management had allegedly decided to suspend Mr. Manda, pending disciplinary proceeding, as the position he gave in court, was not that of the Institution.
During his testimony, Mr. Manda had stated that his investigations revealed that Dr Chilufya did not commit any crime, as the properties in question, value less than his total earnings from legitimate sources of income.
In his submissions, Mr. Ngulube said he prays that the court institutes an inquiry, as the ACC’s actions are contemptuous and may intimidate other witness into being untruthful to the court.
And in his ruling, Magistrate Mwale said Ms Khuzwayo must appear in court to explain her actions, saying the allegations are of a serious nature as they are touching on the administration of justice.
Trial in the matter continues.
