Malawi Human Rights Commission investigates arrest of Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Martha Chizuma

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has launched an investigation into the arrest of Martha Chizuma, the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), following a complaint from Chizuma that her human rights were violated during her arrest. The investigation comes after the release of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry Report on January 3rd, 2023, which did not disclose any human rights violations that occurred during Chizuma’s arrest.

According to Habiba Osman, the Executive Secretary for MHRC, the commission has also received complaints from other stakeholders, prompting them to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. The MHRC has called on the general public to furnish the commission with information to assist in its investigation.

Chizuma’s arrest was made following a complaint lodged by the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Steve Kayuni, over a leaked audio clip in ongoing corruption cases involving Zuneth Sattar, his associate Ashok Nair, and several high-ranking government officials, including Vice President Saulos Chilima, who was also arrested on corruption charges related to dealings with Zuneth Sattar.

This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates on the MHRC’s investigation into the arrest of Martha Chizuma, the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, as more information becomes available.