Zamba fails to appear before PAC, committee to release findings this week

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to submit its findings to Parliament on the ongoing inquiry into the purchase of Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund, despite the failure of former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, to appear as summoned.

Amid the Committee’s ongoing investigation into the controversial hotel purchase, Zamba had been scheduled to appear before the Committee on 31 March 2026 at Parliament in Lilongwe and was also requested to provide related documents by 27 March 2026.

However, in a response from her legal representatives, Giverson & Company, Zamba explained that she is currently undergoing medical treatment abroad and is therefore unable to appear before the Committee or submit the requested documents within the stipulated period.

“On her return to the country after the medical treatment, our client will arrange with the Public Accounts Committee for a mutually acceptable date to attend the inquiry. Please note that our client is fully committed to appearing before the Public Accounts Committee to provide such information as she has relating to the issues and to provide such clarification as may be required,” responded Zamba’s lawyers.

Despite this explanation, PAC Chairperson Steve Malondera noted that the response lacked supporting documentation, and announced that the Committee has resolved to proceed with its report and submit the findings to Parliament this week.

“The Public Accounts Committee has resolved that it proceeds with the report and report to Parliament because it has noted that a few items have not been attended to because the letter that PAC has received from Giverson and Company does not have supporting documents as there is no any medical report.

“To this effect, Public Accounts Committee will proceed to report to Parliament the findings for the inquiry, probably within this week,” said Malondera.

The Chairperson of the PAC emphasized that the inquiry will be concluded in the best interest of Malawians, who entrusted the Committee with the responsibility of ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.