The development has come after HRDC issued a 7-days ultimatum on Tuesday for the Bureau to resolve all grievances in relation to the exercise.

Reports indicated that the bureau was issuing identity cards to under aged and foreigners in the southern region. It is also alleged that unknown people have been purchasing Identity Cards from citizens for mysterious reasons.

The allegations prompted the human rights defending body to demand answers on the allegations failing which they were to resolve to hold demonstrations and vigils at all NRB offices in the country.

In response to HRDC’s demand, ZODIAK understands that the NRB has called for a meeting with the HRDC to address issues raised by the Human Rights Defending Body.

NRB Chief Director Mackford Somanje declined to comment on the development but according to a letter signed by Somanje which ZODIAK has seen, a proposition has been made to have the meeting on Friday.

“I would like to acknowledge that the issues raised are indeed of paramount importance and require to be addressed urgently,” part of the letter reads.

However, HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence has confirmed on this. “I can confirm that the NRB has called for a meeting so that we discuss matters regarding our concerns,” he said.

Trapence further expressed HRDC’s commitment in ensuring that all matters addressed are resolved. “These malpractices should be checked so that we protect the integrity of our national identification and registration system,” he added.

The HRDC also sought clarification on how the bureau is to make use of the 800 million Kwacha which was given by the treasury as no proposal was made on how to utilize the funds.