Zim Minister Sacked For Corruption As Zambia’s Chilufya Holds Tight

Zimbabwe’s Health Minister Obediah Moyo has been sacked following allegations of the illegal award of a multi-million dollar contract for medical supplies.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Moyo who was arrested last month after an investigation by Zimbabwe’s anti-graft commission. He is expected to appear in court on July 31. 

Explaining his dismissal government spokesperson Nick Mangwana on Tuesday said the move had been made with immediate effect for “conduct inappropriate for a government minister”. 

The deal in question involves a United Arab Emirates-based company that was contracted to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 tests at inflated prices. The opposition in the country have campaigned against the deal, which has since been cancelled.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has declined to meet calls from civil society and opposition to ask Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilfya to step aside.

Last month the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested Chilufya following investigations into allegations that he was in possession of property reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of crime. 

Dr Chilufya was charged with offences contrary to section 71 (1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No.19 of 2010. State House previosly defended his continuation in the position of minister with a statement released by special assistant to the president for press and public relations Isaac Chipampe stating, “Despite being charged with criminal offences, in this case corruption allegations, Hon Chilufya is currently innocent until proven otherwise by the courts of law.”

However, civil society groups such as Action Aid Zambia have taken a strong line on the matter, stating that it is morally wrong for a cabinet minister to remain in office while facing corruption investigations.

“The President as an appointing authority and one who has sworn to protect the constitution including commitment to uphold morality should be able to demonstrate this by relieving the Cabinet Minister of his duties to enable an impartial process to take place. Similarly, it is a moral duty and responsibility of any Cabinet Minister being investigated to step aside to allow investigations to run without undue influence,” Nalucha Nganga Ziba, Country Director for ActionAid Zambia, stated.  

“While the principle of ‘innocence until proven guilty’ is legally recognized, it is morally wrong for a minister to remain in office while facing corruption investigations or any other allegations of this nature, as it has the potential to promote compromise in leadership. The fact that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is dealing with a high-ranking official of government; who exerts so much power and authority, there is a high likelihood of intimidation and interference; either direct or implied,” she continued.

TI-Z President Rueben Lifuka has taken a similar line, calling for the minister to step aside even before the arrest was made. Commenting on the case after it was revealed that he was under investigation Lifuka stated, “Dr. Chilufya presently plays a sensitive role in the multisectoral response to Covid-19 and such allegations will be an unnecessary distraction. We know that in the recent past, President Lungu, for reasons he alone can explain has failed to act against Ministers facing such allegations, but we still call on him to ask Hon Dr Chitalu to step aside in order to facilitate a smooth investigation into his case,”

Lifuka noted that such a move would be “in conformity with standard practice where public servants that are being investigated have stepped aside to allow for investigations to be carried out independently and without any potential undue influence.”