The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Zambia has released a statement denying the allegations of corruption being made against two Cabinet Ministers. The allegations surfaced after Lumezi Member of Parliament and Secretary General for the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Hon. Munir Zulu held a press briefing yesterday, during which he claimed that the Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane and the Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Hon. Charles Milupi were under investigation by the ACC for corrupt practices.
In response, the ACC released a statement that read, “The Commission wishes to inform the public that it is not investigating the two Cabinet Ministers over any alleged corrupt practices. As such, the two Ministers have never been summoned by the Commission to appear before it for interrogation.” The Commission also called on Hon. Zulu to provide details of the alleged corruption so that an investigation could be carried out.
Meanwhile, Hon. Zulu continued to make accusations against the two Ministers during his press briefing, claiming that they had received bribes of $250,000 each over the Lusaka Ndola Dual carriageway. He further alleged that the two Ministers had been appearing before the ACC secretly and that the State House was aware of the situation.
Hon. Zulu challenged the ACC to deny his allegations, stating, “All I can say is that if the ACC denies that they are investigating the Ministers, then they are not doing their job properly. The ACC should be investigating every allegation of corruption, regardless of who is involved.”
These allegations have sparked a debate among political leaders and the public alike. Hon. Binwell Chansa Mpundu, in response to Hon. Zulu’s allegations, called for the President to put the two Ministers on leave to pave the way for investigations if the information proved to be true. He stated, “These allegations are huge, and all that State House and the ACC should do now is inform the public what they know because silence will denote consent.”
However, Minister of Infrastructure and Planning Charles Milupi has vehemently denied the allegations, stating in a press statement, “I must categorically state that these are false and baseless allegations. From a collective point of view, the New Dawn administration will continue on its agenda to upgrade our core road network using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model of financing. No amount of political slander will distract us from this objective, which we are now collectively actualizing in a highly transparent and accountable manner.”
Minister Milupi has also announced that he will be putting up a team of lawyers to defend himself against the allegations, saying, “For this reason, I am putting up a team of lawyers so that the people who have raised these allegations can answer in the courts of law. Let me also state here that I am not above reproach as Charles Milupi. If I have committed any wrongdoing in the execution of my public mandate, I am ready and should be liable to face the consequences.”
And has just posted on his Facebook page asking people to keep calm saying him and his colleague will help with documentation.
“Keep calm!! They have responded and we shall help with documentation No need to speak using so many words,” read the post.
Cho Chise only time will tell who’s telling the truth. Muir could be lying we don’t know. ACC could be working under instructions we don’t know. Maybe we call in the witch doctor to give them umwavi to drink to see who’s telling the truth and who’s lying.
The way things are in this country the ACC will only tell the truth after the change of government. They are doing it now.
Of course they are not. Hh only orders the investigation of opposition, non t0ngas and anyone who criticises his failed government.
Now things are getting more messed up…how do expect UPND to investigate UPND….ACC is now operating under UPND and they pick and choose who to investigate…Auditor General Sichembe is being investigated for claiming his allowance and lunch money whenever he travels out….which I believe every employee does…..Musokotwane has stolen millions of dollars…$250 000 is pocket change for Musokotwane….my Grandmother’s farm is next to his property in Mikango Barracks and he tried to conive with some Lands guys so that he can grab my Grandmother’s Farm and this was when Mwanawasa was the President….Musokotwane is a big Bandit and no wonder HH likes him because he is very good at stealing
THESE ARE A PLANNED SYNDICATES AND SERIES OF LIESAIMED AT MANIPULATING AND CORRUPTING THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE IN ORDER TO DISCREDIT HH. THE OTHER DAY IT WAS A LIE OF MINE OWNERSHIP BY FIRST LADY, THE OTHER DAY IT WAS THE FAKE MATCH AND PROTEST BY HIRED HOMOSEXUAL ACTORS. THE OTHER DAY IT WAS A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT AND ATTACK TO DISTURB THE YOUTH DAY. AND SOME WANT EVEN TO REACT NEGATIVELY OVER THE INDENI RELATED PLAN TO REDUCE THE FUEL PRICE
THESE ARE A PLANNED SYNDICATES AND SERIES OF LIESAIMED AT MANIPULATING AND CORRUPTING THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE IN ORDER TO DISCREDIT HH. THE OTHER DAY IT WAS A LIE OF MINE OWNERSHIP BY FIRST LADY, THE OTHER DAY IT WAS THE FAKE MATCH AND PROTEST BY HIRED HOMOSEXUAL ACTORS. THE OTHER DAY IT WAS A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT AND ATTACK TO DISTURB THE YOUTH DAY. AND SOME WANT EVEN TO REACT NEGATIVELY OVER THE INDENI RELATED PLAN TO REDUCE THE FUEL PRICE
Hon Zulu is not a fool to come out open say those statements.ACC just from the word go is a suspected organ of the govt, it been acting an professionalism and it is a disppontment and we cant deny this.
Mr Zulu is not telling the truth. He said earlier that ACC is investigating the two ministers secretly and then turns and say, IF they are not investigating them, then, they are not doing their job”. It is becoming sad in this country that someone can call the press and give them an opinion and assumption as if those activities have already take place. Is it the English language or just wild motives?