ZAMCOM Demands ACC Apology Over “Misleading” Corruption Statement

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA, May 6, 2026 — The Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) has challenged a statement issued by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), accusing the anti-graft body of misrepresenting a former employee as a current officer of the institution in a recent corruption case.

In a clarification issued on Wednesday,Ms. Alice Schultz Head Public Relations & Marketing ZAMCOM said the ACC statement titled “ACC Arrests ZAMCOM Accountant for Corruption” incorrectly identified Mr. Charles Mubanga as an Accountant at the institution, despite the fact that he has not worked for ZAMCOM since January 2019.

She said the description created a false impression that Mr. Mubanga remains affiliated with ZAMCOM and that the institution could be linked to the alleged acts under investigation.

“Such representation is prejudicial and has the potential to occasion unwarranted reputational harm to ZAMCOM,” the institution said in its statement.

ZAMCOM stressed that while it respects the constitutional mandate of the ACC under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, public institutions must ensure accuracy when issuing statements that involve institutional identities and public trust.

The institution said the wording used by the ACC risked creating what it termed a “misleading nexus” between the institution and the alleged corruption case.

“As a public institution, ZAMCOM places a premium on integrity, procedural compliance, and accountability,” the statement read.

She further clarified that it was not attempting to interfere with the Commission’s investigations or comment on matters before the courts, but was instead seeking to protect the institution’s reputation from what it described as factual inaccuracies.

The institution has since formally requested the ACC to issue a public correction and apology.

The ACC had earlier announced the arrest of Mr. Mubanga in connection with alleged corruption offences, identifying him as a ZAMCOM accountant — a characterization the institution now says was inaccurate and misleading.

The development highlights the growing sensitivity surrounding public communication by investigative agencies, especially where institutional credibility and public perception are concerned.

She added that the institution remains committed to upholding transparency, integrity, and accountability in its operations while continuing to support efforts aimed at combating corruption in the public sector.