By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera has challenged what he described as a corruption empire, saying he and all those fighting corruption alongside him including ACB’ Martha Chizuma are ready to die for the fight to save the Malawi’ future.
Speaking on Friday, December 9,2022 at Kasungu stadium in Kasungu where the Anti-Corruption Day Commemorations fpr this year were held, Chakwera who said the corruption empire has been intimidating and killing those fighting against corruption, cited the deaths of one Issa Njaunju, and Bob Mtekama as good examples of those who died mysteriously and suspiciously while serving the country to save the future from corruption.
“Those who have corrupted our system will not go quietly, they will not let down their weapons and simply surrender. They will not come here to this event and shake hands, and make peace. So if you think you are ready to kill in order to destroy Malawi’s future, then you should know that we are ready to die to save Malawi’ future.” Said President Chakwera while committing himself, his administration, and all Malawians of good will to the battle against the vice.
Further, President Chakwera told the nation that his administration is doing everything to have what surrounded the deaths of Njaunju and Mtekama known to Malawians, for their deaths were mysterious and suspicious.
“Seven years ago, Malawi’ corruption empire showed us all, that it is a murderous empire. In 2015, Issa Njaunju, a high ranking official at the Anti-Corruption Bureau was murdered, his body left half buried behind Presidential Villas not far from Kamuzu Palace, and his car left in ashes in Mtandire. Under the previous administration, nothing was done to solve this crime, and no-one was held accountable, but today under my administration the case is finally in court, because even though Malawi’ corruption empire is ready to kill yo continue stealing from Malawians, we are not afraid. ” Lamented Chakwera, adding that similarly the case of Bob Mtekama who died under suspicious circumstances in 2020 while investigating the mysterious death of Njaunju is also in court.
Describing ACB Director General, Martha Chizuma as his champion in the fight against corruption, President Lazarus Chakwera did not finish his speech for the commemoration day without mentioning the mysterious arrest of the Director three days ago.
Here President Chakwera told the nation that the arrest and assault suffered was designed to intimidate and humiliate her so that the fight against corruption fails, but Malawi leader came quick to warn the corruption empire that the battle is not for individuals, but all Malawians of good will.
President Chakwera has since accused the DPP administration for infiltrating the state machinery by recruiting cadets, whom he said are trying to intimidate the fighting against corruption.
In her remarks, Chizuma assured Malawians that ACB will investigate and take to court everyone involved in corruption regardless of their affiliation in the society, and thanked President Chakwera for the commitment to fight corruption in many ways including setting aside the 20 weeks of Anti-Corruption campaign, and increasing the funding towards ACB by K400 million.
The World Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated on December 9 every year, and this year Malawi has celebrated the day under the theme “Fight Corruption, Protect Malawi’s Future”.
