President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the newly sworn in Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General, Daphne Chabu to execute her duties diligently by investigating cases thoroughly before effecting an arrest.
And Mr Hichilema has also urged the new Human rights Commission (HRC) Director General, Mbololwa Wamunyima to uphold professionalism and fairness in the discharge of duties.
He said this when he swore in ACC Director General Daphne CHABU and HRC Director Generals Mbololwa Wamunyima at State House today.
Mr Hichilema advised the Anti-Corruption Commission Director General to be wary of taking cases of individuals into the public domain before evidence is found.
He bemoaned and expressed concern with the way cases involving certain individuals are ending up in public domain before the case is disposed of by the investigative wings.
“Let’s be fair to citizens by investigating cases thoroughly before an arrest is effected and when you are arrest, it means you are ready with the file to prosecute, going forward we want the Auditor General to be available to support the accounting side to work as a team,” he said.
He urged the police to arrest the offender and if the matter is bondable, give bond and if the matter is not bendable, it should be taken to court immediately and if it is bailable, the person must be given bail immediately,” Mr Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema observed that if it is a financial case, within five months an offender should be prosecuted as opposed to keeping people in detention for a long time.
“I have been consistently saying and repeating that investigate, arrest, prosecute, close the case, if it is a conviction do it, and if it is an acquittal, give it after which we can say we are doing our work professionally, ” he said.
The Head of State also urged the HRC Director General to ensure there is fair treatment and protection of the people that come into conflict with the law.
He advised her to strive to protect the rights of people during her reign as HRC Director General, further stating that the Zambian people expect professionalism to be restored in the Commission by being fair to everyone.
