Zambian president fires anti-corruption chief

New Zambian President Michael Sata on Saturday replaced the head of the country's anti-corruption watchdog, who had been accused of bungling investigations into corruption allegations.

Sata "appointed Mrs Rosewin Wandi as Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)," a statement by the president said.

Wandi, who was the ACC's deputy director general, replaces former chief Godfrey Kayukwa, who had been perceived to be close to former president Rupiah Banda.

A woman was appointed to head the body to promote gender equality in government, according to the statement. No further reasons for Kauykwa's dismissal were given.

Transparency International and opposition politicians had earlier called on Kayukwa to resign.

He was accused of mishandling enquiries into corruption allegations against Universal Print Group, the company that printed ballot papers during the past two presidential elections.

Sata defeated incumbent Banda in last week's presidential election. During his campaign, Sata had promised voters he would root out corruption in the ACC.

Zambia's parliament has to ratify Wandi's appointment.