The high-level political infighting among two figures within Zambia’s ruling party has taken a turn for the worse today, as Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba has been accused of interfering with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), pressuring them to turn over their preliminary findings in an investigation against him.
According to an article published on Zambian Watchdog, Kabimba sent a letter on October 31, 2012 to his subordinate, Rosewin Wandi, who serves as ACC General Director, stating that the preliminary investigations could not take seven days, arguing that if the ACC wants to be seen as a serious institution that is trusted by the Zambian public, that they must turn over their results right away.
Sometime last month, the Post newspaper prematurely cleared their preferred candidate, Kabimba, of any wrong-doing but that was refuted by the ACC who insisted that they were still investigating.
In the same article, the Post Newspaper reported that Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba Bwalya (GBM) had a case to answer over allegations of soliciting for Zesco contract.
Kabimba and GBM have been locked in a widely covered public fight of mutual corruption allegations for the leadership of the Patriotic Front party, even though the next presidential elections are still three years away. President Michael Sata, 75, has experienced several bouts of poor health, leading some observers to allege that Kabimba and GBM are fighting for the job of Acting President in the event that the current head of state is unable to complete his term.
The Post Newspaper quotes Kabimba today as saying “In view of the above, unless I hear from you within seven days from the date hereof, whether as a suspect or otherwise, I shall proceed to apply for a Writ of Mandamus in the High Court to compel the ACC to tell the public the truth about its findings in this matter,” read Kabimba’s letter in part.
“I do not myself understand why this matter is taking long for you office to take the necessary steps to investigate and inform the public about the my alleged acts of corruption”, he wrote.
Mr. Kabimba has also challenged ACC to ask Defence Minister GBM to release a dossier on him about the oil contract.
Featuring on Radio Chengelo this week, Kabimba said GBM was not his friend as he (GBM) was merely a newcomer into the PF party.