…we completed investigations against the Saddhus and they were cleared, the file was closed and their payments authorised…
Lusaka-2nd November 2024
Former Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Thom Shamakamba has revealed that there were no pending investigations against Vinod and Uddit Sadhu owners of Sun Pharmaceauticals.
Responding in a matter in the high court, where he has sued University of Zambia law lecturer and former ACC Board member, Dr. Obrien Kaaba, Shamakamba stated that the ACC released the passports of the Sadhus because all investigations were completed and the investigation file closed at both the ACC and the Zambia Police.
He also stated that when the complainant, the Kalengas were asked to appear before the ACC, they failed to do so and failed to bring evidence against the Saddhus.
He also stated that the ACC informed the Attorney General to proceed to process the payments due to Sun Pharmaceuticals as there no legal incumberances.
He said when the matter reaches at trial stage, he will demonstrate that Dr. Kaaba defamed him and spoke without verifiable evidence or information in accusing him that he had released the passports of alleged fugitives.
By correspondent Pranab Rajan
It is widely believed that former Director General Shamakamba was removed from his position due to his investigation into Solicitor General Marshal Muchende, who faced serious allegations of corruption. Contrary to Dr. Kaaba’s statements, Muchende was not an ally of the Anti-Corruption Commission and was summoned for questioning multiple times, particularly regarding an alleged $500,000 he received to purchase a house from the former Liquidator of KCM. Ultimately, Muchende is a significant fund raising asset for the UPND, making him too valuable to dismiss, which is why Shamakamba was let go.
The Director General of ACC must be highly resilient and possess strong instincts to thrive in that role. There are adversaries all around particularly within their own ranks and Tom Shamakamba did not receive the necessary support from State House to succeed fully. I don’t believe President HH can tolerate anyone who is too smart and independent, which is why he tends to choose indivuals he can easily control.
Kaaba was merely a pawn in the game orchestrated by board chairman Musa Mwenya, who was engaged in covert manoeuvring against President Hichilema. It’s disappointing to see that Kaaba seems to lack independent thought; when the pressure mounted to defend Muchende, he faltered, leaving him with nothing but the remnants of Shamakamba.
You’re right about Musa Mwenya, who is more of a politician. He was also quick to sue UPND MP Heartson Mabeta’s when he claimed Mwenya wanted the High Court to order KCM to pay $33 million to CEC to receive a kickback. Shamakaba is equally entitled to his reputation and can seek legal redress as he has done in this case.
This sounds eerily similar to the law association of zambia’s ruling dismissing the kalengas complaint against law firm of george kunda. There are a lot of allegations made by them but no evidence to back them up. they sound like lazy arses who want to make quick money.