The country’s graft busting body, Anti Corruption Bureau, has arrested Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima in connection with US$280,000 he allegedly received corruptly from Zuneth Sattar to influence government tenders.
Chilima, accompanied by party supporters arrived at ACB offices on Friday morning at around 8am after which he was taken to court to be formally charged.
A statement from ACB says Chilima has been charged on six counts, all in contravention of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Three of the counts are of Corrupt practices by a public officer contrary to Section 24 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act as read with Section 34 of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Two counts are connected to receiving advantage for using influence in regard to contracts contrary to section 29 (1) (b) of the Corrupt Practices Act as read with section 34 of the Corrupt Practices Act.
The last count is that of failing to make a full report to a police officer or an officer of the Bureau that an advantage had been corruptly given contrary to section 36 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
In June this year, ACB mentioned Chilima in a report presented to President Lazarus Chakwera. Thereafter the President withdrew all delegated powers to the Vice President up until his name is cleared in a court of law.
Chilima’s arrest comes a s a blow to his UTM supporters who have had high hopes that he is poised to succeed President Chakwera as early as 2025.