Malawi anti-graft body concedes losing public trust: ‘Not receiving tip-offs’
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has conceded that it does not have the public trust in the fight against graft as Malawians feel the body is failing to effectively stem out corruption in the country thereby not attracting whistle-blowers.
ACB director Reyneck Matemba said at the International Anti-Corruption Day in Mangochi that apart from funding challenges, the bureau is not receiving tip-offs from the public on corruption issues.
“We are aware that some members of the public have stopped tipping us on suspected cases of corruption because the public perception is that ACB drags its feet to investigate and conclude cases.
“Ideally, to meet public expectations and send proper warnings to would-be perpetrators, we need to expedite investigations followed by proper court processes which should end in conviction. That way, Malawians would be convinced that we are fulfilling our duties,” he said.
A recent media survey, Malawians poorly rated the ACB in the fight against graft.
In a vote of no confidence, the public faulted the country’s legal framework which gives power to the President to appoint the bureau’s director general.
Tawonga Kasomekera said on Twitter: “ACB is the most shameful body ever even Satan will spit it out of hell because it’s evil is for the next level when a new world order takes control. I can’t even rate them.”
United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner Holly Tett also expressed concern over the fight against corruption in the country.
She pointed out that corruption impacts on the average Malawians that continue being subjected to sub-standard public services as well as loss of investments in the public services.
Tett said: “The fight against corruption should not be for the Anti-Corruption Bureau alone. It requires a coalition that, for example, should involve greater coordination among the Executive, the Judiciary, Parliament, law enforcement agencies, banks, estate agents, lawyers, civil society, the media and the private sector.
“As development partners, we also stand ready to play our part.”
According to a Global Corruption Barometer report on citizen’s views and experiences of corruption jointly released in July this year by Transparency International (TI) and Afrobarometer, about 72 percent of Malawians are of the view that corruption has been on the increase during the previous 12 months. Malawi is currently ranked 120 on the 2018 TI Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
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Corruption in Malawi revolves around appointing authority. Other countries’ government agencies work way better knowing my job is safe.
Enough said. The Anti corruption beaurea is also corrupt itself and it goes after only small fish leaving big fish like Mutharika to be walking free. I am talking about K145 million and the landgate by Gertrude and Beautify Malawi.
Thank you director for admitting the obvious. the question is what are you doing about it? the ombudsman is doing a better job than abc
The public admission that ACB cannot do its work for whatever reasons is enough basis to disband it. Why should tax payers continue paying you salaries and yet you cannot discharge your duties? If the problem is with you Matemba I would suggest that you step down and pave way for other able people to take up your position and do the work
You continue complain that you dont receive enough funding. What kind of funding are you looking for when your officers are always up and down akuti ma workshop and training week in week out. And do you guys have time to be in office to tackle cases you have already evidence? 3000 cases. Kumanena pagulu zimenezi osachita manyazi. ACB employees always at Salima, Mponera ( imagine kuthawa Lilongwe kubwera pa Mponela akuti kufuna ma allowance), Mangochi uku ndi uku. you dont have time to serve Malawi but to serve your pockets. Ngongole za fuel mma filling station zili thoooo, koma… Read more »
spot on Bridget, in fact the ACB is corrupt
Bridget wayaka mototu…. Corruption can’t fight itself
Bwana Matemba, pomwe inu munsankhidwa ife tinali okondwa komaso odzadza ndichiyembekezo kuti ACB itsogoleredwa ndi mnyamata wophunzira ndikudziwa bwino malamulo. Tinayembekezera kuti muzaonetsa ukatswiri ndi ukadaulo wanu komaso kusaopa ngakhale kukondera. Koma lero mwangofanana kumene ndi aKondowe omwe amachita kutumidwa mowonekera poyerayera. Simukulithandiza dziko pokhalila nkhani ndi madandaulo omwe mulinawo. Tengerani chitsanzo cha mzanu mai Chizuma. Akugwira ntchito mosaopa ndipo mosaona nkhope. Olo kontalakiti yawo ikadzatha ndipo osawonjezeredwa, dziko silidzawaweruzayi pokuti iwo akuyimila mbali yachilungamo. Ganizani kawiri bwana Matemba. Musalole kugwiritsidwa ntchito ndi andale komaso audindi ndi achuma kuti mupondereze chilungamo. Zikomo
Bwana Matemba, chifukwa china is that your organization is selective in investigating cases of korapushoni. Those connected to power that be are untouchables in this country. Ofcourse its not your fault. Its our system of governance that lacks. Komabe ntchito mukuigwira.
High level corruption in Malawi revolves around the executive, who happens to be the appointing authority for ACB director and such appointments of late are done based on ethnic cycles. In which case, members of the executive become protected by way of impunity.