The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has no intention to prosecute Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda for failing to report a bribe offer within the 24 hours stipulated by law.

There have been increasing calls for the ACC to prosecute Mr. Shamenda for failing to report an alleged bribe offer by a Dangote official within 24 hours in line with section 39 Sub-section 1 of the Anti Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012, with the latest call made by prominent Lawyer Sakwiba Sikota.

ACC Spokesperson Timothy Moono has told Qfm news that the Commission has based its position on the same Section of the Act.

Mr. Moono says the ACC is relying on the provision of Act which stipulates that a public officer is protected from prosecution provided the public officer gives a reasonable cause for not reporting the bribe offer which Mr. Shamenda did.

Mr. Moono says the commission would not similarly prosecute a person who fails to report such a bribe offer to the commission if doing so is hindered by distance from the place where the offence occurred to the nearest ACC office or Police station.