By Patson Chilemba
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri held talks with Health minister Sylvia Masebo when he served as Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general over the TFM Holdings $100 million deal, but the matter was kept from the public despite announcing the investigations against dismissed former permanent secretary Dr George Magwende.
And sources in the investigative wings have said it is mischievous for ACC director general to Thom Shamakamba to challenge TFM Holdings
chairman Mcebisi Mlonzi to provide him with evidence against Masebo, saying he already appeared before the commission on three different occasions, and that investigations against Dr Magwende have reached a dead end.
Dr Magwende, when reached for comment, refused to engage over the matter, referring all queries to the Ministry of Health spokesperson or the other people in government who might be of help.
Impeccable sources have told Daily Revelation Newspaper that while the ACC was quick to launch investigations against Dr Magwende, announcing the investigations on the very next day he was fired by President Hakainde Hichilema over alleged impropriety in relation to the TFM deal, the commission was silent about the “informal talks” Phiri conducted with Masebo.
The sources mentioned Phiri as having been involved in the talks with Masebo, Magwende and Mlonzi.
“The main challenge is you do not expect state institutions we have now to go hard on the guys in the UPND administration, that was the main challenge in ensuring that this matter reaches a conclusive end,” sources said.
Reached for comment by Daily Revelation about information that during the time the commission interrogated Dr Magwende, he personally met Masebo during that same period of time, and why he had to follow her rather than summoning her to ACC offices as is usually the practice, Phiri said: “Completely no iota of truth in the text (question).”
But told that this information has been corroborated by several sources in the investigative wings, Phiri insisted on his position.
“Lol. Lies cannot be corroborated. Trust me there is no truth in that,” stated Phiri.
Sources further questioned the challenge from new ACC director general Shamakamba for Mlonzi to appear before him with evidence that would crucify Masebo, saying the man already appeared before ACC on three different occasions, something they said could have prompted Mlonzi to say that he was not interested in responding to Shamakamba’s challenge.
In a recent interview with Daily Revelation, Mlonzi said he was not surprised Masebo had failed to sue him one year after she threatened to do so over allegations that she requested for R2 million and a Mercedez Benz from him in relation to the $100 million contract for the construction of hospitals, a deal that has since been cancelled, arguing that his claims were true.
He also indicated that he was surprised that no action had taken place on the matter since the complaint was filed, and Shamakamba was also asked if it was not the duty of the commission to show interest in the matter and do the necessary follow-ups. However, Shamakamba responded: “Is he sure that there was nothing done to call her?”
Asked if he meant calling Masebo, Shamakamba said: “Yes! Is he sure about that?”
Asked to respond to Shamakamba’s latest challenge, Mlonzi simply said: “Not interested my brother.”
“Mlonzi has been to ACC and interviewed on three occasions by very critical institutions, and he’s been frustrated that despite giving them all the information they are still asking him to provide them with information,” a source familiar with the matter told Daily Revelation. “Remember, this is a man who is also alive to the fact that he is dealing with an African setup and would not want to jeopardise the $35-$40 million he has filed in the arbitration. Therefore you can understand the arrogance from ACC. But the main point to ask is why hasn’t Masebo sued him one year after she threatened to do so for alleging that she attempted bribes from him?”
Sources further said investigations against Dr Magwende have reached a dead end as 13 months after he was interrogated no charges have been brought against him, with sources saying that the one time he appeared before the commission was the only time they interviewed him.
Dr Magwende refused to comment on the matter when contacted to speak. Masebo too has never spoken on the matter from the time Daily Revelation started making efforts for her to speak. 
