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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Self righteous Prof Chirwa; bolts, but caught

Prof Chirwa
THE embattled and suspended Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) chief executive officer Professor Clive Chirwa almost managed to escape out of the country but was on Tuesday interception at the
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, where he was blocked from leaving the country.
Prof Chirwa is currently facing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for alleged corruption while heading ZRL.
He was suspended by President Michael Sata last week while the parastatal’s board was also dissolved.
Prof Chirwa was intercepted at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka as he tried to exit the country for an unknown destination but was blocked by alert immigration officers.
Home Affairs public relations officer, Moses Siwali said Prof Chirwa did not get clearance to leave the country.
“I further wish to state that Prof Chirwa is not in any way being harassed or persecuted but instead we want him to follow correct procedures. The Ministry of Home Affairs has a duty to protect asserts
and property for the Zambian Masses,” Mr Siwali said.
He said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that Prof Chirwa was advised to go back because the appointing authority or the ACC was not aware of his trip abroad.
Mr Siwali said in the event that the ACC wanted to interview Prof Chirwa over the assets he was overseeing at ZRL and was out of the country, it would make investigations difficult, hence he had to stay in the country.
“Prof Chirwa who is currently on suspension did not get clearance from the ACC or permission from the appointing authority and hence could not be allowed to sneak out of the country as his intentions were not known. In normal circumstances, he is supposed to get permission from the appointing authority who he knows very well because he is on suspension and there are investigations currently going on,” Mr Siwali said.
Prof Chirwa had since been advised to seek clearance from the ACC or relevant authorities if he wished to travel outside the country unlike sneaking out.
Mr Siwali said the Ministry of Home Affairs had a duty to protect assets and property for the Zambian masses.

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