By Patson Chilemba
Dismissed former Health permanent secretary Dr George Magwende has pleaded with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to announce the results of the investigations against him in order to help him restore his public standing.
Speaking with Daily Revelation, Dr Magwende said he was accused of being corrupt and was called in for interrogations by the ACC, but
13 months after those interrogations he has been kept in the dark about the nature of why he was even interviewed in the first place.
“Yah! It’s very difficult to basically put across a statement. But the only thing that I can say is that I am still in total darkness because I am not privy to other meetings or other interviews apart from the one that I was called to some 13 months ago, maybe 14 months ago,” Dr Magwende said. “And the results thereof have not been shared with anyone. I am still waiting. No authority has spoken to me following that so-called interview at ACC. I am still waiting.”
Dr Magwende said there was always perception in public opinion in terms of viewing those who were called for interrogations by the investigative wings on corruption allegations as corrupt.
“Of course once the issue is cleared it will help my public standing. Perceptions are very, very paramount in our dealings. But for as long as nothing is brought to light, nothing is cleared speculation will forever continue,” said Dr Magwende.
President Hakainde Hichilema last year fired Dr Magwende over corruption allegations in relation to the $100 million deal To TFM Holdings to construct hospitals. However, the deal was cancelled shortly after with TFM Holdings chairman Mcebisi Mlonzi accusing Health minister Sylvia Masebo of soliciting a bribe in form of R2 million and a Mercedes Benz from as gratification for awarding the contract.
On the very next day Dr Magwende was fired, the ACC announced investigations against him in a call out that went viral all over social.
But sources in the investigating agencies have told Daily Revelation that the investigations against Magwende have reached a dead end.
The sources further said current Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri held “informal talks” with Masebo when he served as Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general over the $100 million deal, but the matter was kept from the public despite announcing the investigations Dr Magwende.
Phiri has of course rubbished the assertions as having no grain of truth in them.
Dr Magwende, when reached for comment earlier, 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. However, he has now responded but only to the investigations against him following persistent calls made to him.
