By Chisomo Phir
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Acting Director General Gabriel Chembezi has broken his silence on his decision not to seek the bureau’s top position, citing developments during his tenure that has prompted him to reconsider his interest in the job.
Chembezi confirmed that he deliberately opted out of the latest recruitment exercise after reflecting on events that have unfolded since he assumed the acting leadership of the anti-graft institution.
Gabriel Chembezi
He, however, did not provide details of the circumstances behind his decision.
“It is indeed true that upon deep reflection over the events that have unfolded in the past year since my appointment as Acting Director General, I decided not to re-apply for the post, when it was re-advertised. It is well,” he said.
His decision comes as the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs moves ahead with the recruitment process, having shortlisted seven candidates for interviews for the substantive director general position.
Chembezi’s tenure as acting director general began in October 2025, when President Peter Mutharika appointed him to replace Hillary Chilomba, who had been overseeing the bureau following the departure of former director general Martha Chizuma in May 2024.
Chizuma’s departure, following the expiry of her contract, marked the beginning of an extended period of acting leadership at the bureau, with successive recruitment efforts failing to produce a successful candidate.
In April 2026, Chembezi was among eight candidates who reportedly attended interviews for the substantive position.
However, none of the applicants was considered suitable for appointment, prompting the government to re-advertise the vacancy.
Despite withdrawing from the latest recruitment process, Chembezi remains in charge of the bureau in an acting capacity following a directive from Justice Minister Charles Mhango that he should continue serving until a substantive director general is appointed.
