By Patson Chilemba
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has placed a restriction order on the house belonging to Solicitor General Marshal Muchende over allegations that he received over US$500,000 bribe from a named former liquidator, State House sources have told Daily Revelation.
But when contacted for a comment, ACC Director General Tom Shamakamba who could neither deny nor confirm said, “I will not comment for the time being. I will tell you once whatever is being done.”
Impeccable sources at State House have told Daily Revelation that the ACC is currently investigating the matter.
“In fact there is a restriction order that has been placed on the house already. But there are powerful forces that are fighting in the background to ensure the matter dies a natural death. That’s why you must bring it out to the public to know what is going on,” sources told Daily Revelation.
Daily Revelation wrote a press query to Shamakamba and Commission spokesperson Timothy Moono which has not been responded to.
Daily Revelation also called Shamakamba to get his comment on assertions that ACC has placed a restriction on Muchende’s house over assertions that he received money from the named former liquidator and that there were concerted efforts by powerful individuals to sit on the matter so that it is not known to the Zambian public, Shamakamba firmly resisted commenting on the matter.
“I will not comment anything boss. If it’s an investigation I will not comment on it,” Shamakamba said, and refused to come forth on further probing questions. “As I am saying I will not comment on anything. I will not comment on anything my boss.”
“But sir, you are our institution, our public institution and if a senior official in government is being investigated don’t you feel it’s important for the Zambian public to know, the media to know?” Daily Revelation asked Shamakamba.
Responding, Shamakamba said: “No! That’s why I am saying for now I will not comment boss.”
Put to him that his response was unusual especially that his institution has been forthcoming in confirming investigations against former leaders, Shamakamba said: “I appreciate what you are saying chief and that’s why I am saying for now I will not comment.”
Put to him further that his confirmation was much more urgent especially that there was maneuvering by powerful forces to sit on the matter by hiding it from the public, Shamakamba responded: “No! I will not comment for the time being.”
Asked when will be the right time for the commission to comment, Shamakamba said: “I will tell you once whatever is being done. We will tell you. Emukwai.”
Efforts to talk to Muchende have failed as calls made to him have gone unanswered and the text message has not been responded to.
