THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed summoning former defence permanent secretary Stardy Mwale for questioning in corruption related investigations.
Mwale, who was recently transferred to Cabinet Office by President Edgar Lungu, appeared before ACC investigators yesterday.
ACC Public Relations Manager Timothy Moono confirmed the summoning in response to a press query from News Diggers.
“I wish to acknowledge receipt of your press query in which you wish to find out whether the Commission summoned the Former Ministry of Defense Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale for questioning. In response to your query, I wish to confirm that the Commission did summon the Former Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale today, to assist with an investigation,” Moono stated.
He could not, however, disclose further details on the investigations.
“…further details cannot be divulged at this moment, as this may jeopardise investigations. I thank you for your inquiry,” stated Moono.
In June this year, News Diggers published an investigation which reported that Mwale owned a multi-million kwacha farm bordering Nickel Mine near Mazabuka and another 700-hectare farm in Mkushi, among other high-end properties. Sources further told News Diggers that the former Permanent Secretary owned over 1,000 cows at his Mkushi farm, all purchased from unexplained wealth.
When asked to confirm if he owned the stated properties, Mwale said it was not his duty to explain his wealth to the media.
“The best you could have done is go to Mkushi and verify the farm. But after you have written you are asking me; what should I answer? When you hear such stories, call me before you write. After you have written, why do you want me to explain? When you write like that, other people are following and at the end of the day, they will know that this paper is all about lies! So, about me owning those farms, people will know, there is a system there. You have exposed that I have these farms; it is not my duty to explain to you,” said Mwale.
