MW Justice Minister Orders ACB Boss to Continue Working

• Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango has directed Gabriel Chembezi to continue as acting director general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
• This directive follows the expiration of Chembezi’s 12-month acting tenure on November 3, 2026.
• The decision ensures leadership continuity at the ACB until a substantive director general is appointed.
• The recruitment process for a permanent ACB chief is still ongoing and has not yet been finalized.

This significant directive, which sees the Minister orders ACB boss to continue working, ensures that the crucial anti-graft institution maintains leadership continuity.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango has issued a direct order for Gabriel Chembezi, the current acting director general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), to remain in his post. This significant directive, which sees the Minister orders ACB boss to continue working, ensures that the crucial anti-graft institution maintains leadership continuity. The instruction was given specifically to bridge the period until a permanent, substantive appointment for the director general position can be officially made and finalized.

The decision by Minister Mhango became necessary following the recent expiration of Mr. Chembezi's initial 12-month tenure as acting director general. His term officially concluded on November 3, 2026, raising questions about the immediate leadership of the Bureau. With the recruitment process for a new, permanent ACB chief still ongoing and not yet complete, the Ministry deemed it essential to prevent any potential vacuum or disruption in the Bureau's operations.

The situation at the Anti-Corruption Bureau highlights the complexities that can arise in the appointment processes for high-profile public offices. Gabriel Chembezi was initially appointed to serve in an acting capacity for a defined period of one year, a term that has now elapsed. The expectation was that a permanent director general would be in place by the time his acting tenure concluded. However, the comprehensive search and selection process for a substantive leader has evidently required more time than initially anticipated.

This extension of Mr. Chembezi's service, therefore, serves as a pragmatic measure to ensure the ACB's uninterrupted functioning. The Minister's directive acknowledges that the recruitment of a permanent head for an institution as critical as the Anti-Corruption Bureau is a thorough and often lengthy undertaking, involving multiple stages of vetting and approval. By instructing the acting director general to continue, the Ministry aims to maintain stability and operational effectiveness during this transitional phase, preventing any potential administrative or investigative paralysis.

The decision to retain Gabriel Chembezi in his acting role is fundamentally about preserving the institutional stability of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. As a primary body responsible for combating corruption, the ACB's ability to operate without leadership gaps is paramount to its effectiveness and public confidence. Any interruption in its top leadership could potentially impact ongoing investigations, strategic planning, and the overall momentum of anti-corruption initiatives across the nation.

Minister Charles Mhango's intervention underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that the fight against corruption remains robust and unhindered. By allowing the experienced acting director general to continue, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is prioritizing the sustained execution of the ACB's critical mandate. This approach ensures that while the search for a permanent leader proceeds diligently, the Bureau's vital work in upholding accountability and integrity continues without any pause or uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of consistent leadership in such a sensitive and crucial public office.

Source: Original reporting via Nation Online