Martha Chizuma, the director of Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), has been placed on administrative leave after comments she made on recorded audio were made public.
President Lazarus Chakwera called the audio leak, which occurred more than a year ago, “corruption fighting back.”
Additionally, he claimed that the audio was being spread to pressure him into firing her.
With the president’s support, Ms. Chizuma continued in her position and proceeded to indict several prominent figures, including Vice-President Saulos Chilima and a cabinet minister, on various corruption-related offenses. They denied doing anything improper.
Colen Zamba, the cabinet secretary, confirmed her suspension on Wednesday, although some legal professionals have questioned the procedure followed.
The office of President Chakwera is silent on the suspension.