PAC still pursuing Mphwiyo
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has insisted on interrogating Ministry of Finance budget director Paul Mphwiyo who is currently in South Africa recovering from gunshot wounds.
PAC has since Wednesday last week conducted meetings with various stakeholders in its investigations into the looting of billions of kwacha from government coffers. Those interviewed so far include former minister of Finance Ken Lipenga, former secretary to the Treasury Randson Mwadiwa, the Accountant General and the Chief Secretary to the Government.
However, Chief Secretary to the Government Hawa Ndilowe informed the committee that Mphwiyo would not be available until the Ministry of Health advises on his health status and possibility of his return to Malawi.
PAC vice-chairperson Davie Nyadani said in an interview on Tuesday the committee was still pursuing the interrogation of Mphwiyo because he remains at the centre of the Capital Hill cashgate.
Mphwiyo has not been accused of any crime yet and Malawi President Joyce Banda lauded his efforts in stamping out corruption which she said led to his shooting on September 13 this year at the gate of his Area 43 residence in Lilongwe.
But Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) spokesperson Arthur Chipenda yesterday said Mphwiyo is expected in the country “very soon” as he is finalising his medical reviews with doctors.
Chipenda said government appreciates the fact that PAC wants to meet Mphwiyo. He assured that government will look into facilitating the meeting appropriately.
The committee is scheduled to meet again from December 9 2013 when they would summon the Director of Public Prosecutions for progress on prosecution of cashgate cases.
