ACB nabs businessperson in cashgate scam

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Lilongwe-based businessperson Mainala Reuben Mwale on allegations that he induced the embattled senior official in the Ministry of Tourism, Leonard Kalonga, to abuse his office.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, ACB senior public relations officer Egrita Ndala said the owner of Vhaima General Dealers, who was arrested on Sunday, would likely be charged with the offences of inducing a public officer to abuse his office, which is contrary to Section 25 B (2) of the Corrupt Practices Act, money laundering contrary to Section 35(1) (c) of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act and receiving property unlawfully obtained contrary to Section 328 of the Penal Code.

Ndala could not, however, disclose the amount of money involved or the property which Mwale might have obtained to face such charges.

“He will be taken to court to be charged after the bureau has interviewed him on the matter,” she said.

However, Kalonga is facing charges in the High Court for allegedly defrauding government of K172 million which was paid out to a company Pawooh Logistics in three separate cheque payments.

Kalonga is also embroiled in the purchase of six buses, four of which have been impounded, worth K540 million which were bought through the Ministry of Tourism.

Close to 32 people have been arrested and charged with theft, corruption and money laundering in connection with the loss of billions of taxpayers’ money from Capital Hill.