In a statement released yesterday, ECM for instance says, it is seriously concerned with what it calls peculiar circumstances surrounding the arrest, torture and release without charge of Anti-Corruption Bureau chief Martha Chizuma last week.

It adds that what is more disturbing is the lack of knowledge of President Lazarus Chakwera that the ACB boss would be arrested, urging him to do due diligence and create a legacy for himself on the fight against corruption.

Minister of Information and government spokesperson Gospel Kazako says the bishops are justified in their worry, since ordinarily, one would have expected the government to know about Chizuma’s arrest.

He adds the incident has sent a message to the government that maybe the independence and separation of powers are being overdosed, and therefore should be checked.