Chakwera Trusted Aide Colleen Zamba Dares PAC in Amaryllis Showdown

Former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, has refused to appear before the Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee (PAC), deepening controversy over the ongoing inquiry into the Amaryllis Hotel deal.

Zamba has emerged as a key witness due to her central role in government decision-making during her tenure as SPC.

She was particularly involved in matters surrounding the Public Service Pension Fund’s purchase of the hotel.

Despite this, she has declined to present herself before the Parliamentary Public Appointments Committee.

Once a trusted aide to former President Lazarus Chakwera, Zamba now finds herself at the center of both political and legal scrutiny.

In her response, Zamba cites two main reasons for her refusal.

Her lawyer, George Kadzipatike, argues that testifying before Parliament would violate the sub judice principle.

Zamba is already facing a criminal case—No. 266 of 2026—on charges of abuse of office linked to the same transaction.

Her legal team maintains that appearing before PAC risks prejudicing the ongoing court process.

Additionally, Zamba is currently outside Malawi.

She has reportedly been there since February 2026 undergoing medical treatment.

Her lawyers say she is not in a position to travel or provide documentation while abroad.

The standoff places Zamba at the heart of a growing clash between parliamentary oversight and judicial proceedings.

Her continued absence, despite being a pivotal figure in the decision-making chain, is likely to intensify scrutiny over transparency and accountability in one of the government’s most contentious financial dealings.