Cashgate: Outrage on social media over Senzani’s 3-year jail term
Malawians on the social media have expressed anger over the sentencing of former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Treza Namathanga Senzani to three years in jail.
Judge Ivy Kamanga today sentenced Senzani to nine months for a charge of theft and three years for money laundering. The sentences will run concurrently.
Reacting to the sentence, Malawians on various social forums described the sentence as a ‘joke’.
“We are living in a crazy world indeed. Three years in jail for stealing K65 million while some brothers are still inside [jail] today serving their seven years jail term for stealing mbuzi imodzi [one goat]. Hmmm,” commented Drake Chisomo Kungade on our facebook pageMalawiNation.
Others suggested that the former PS deserved a life sentence.
“Woba nkhuku imodzi eight years!!! Doesn’t make sense!” wrote Steven Chisale.
“Three years and she’ll be out in a year-and-a-half. Zabomadi ndi zabwino, kuba eti? wrote another.
More comments expressing anger are pouring in on our Facebook page.
–Sentencing–
Namathanga is the first convict in the looting of public resources at Capital Hill also known as “Cashgate” scandal.
Billions of Malawi kwacha was siphoned from government coffers by top government officials in 2013.
Passing the sentence on Tuesday, Judge Ivy Kamanga sentenced Senzani to nine months for a charge of theft and three years for money laundering. The sentences will run concurrently.
The judge also ordered forfeiture of her money and banks accounts.
Justice Kamanga said on money laundering, an option of K2 million fine cannot be exercised. She pointed out that despite Senzani being first offender, she does not deserve a suspended sentence.
Senzani pleaded guilty to stealing of around $150,000 (K63 million).
She was arrested last year after a probe found she issued two government cheques to her own company which did not provide any goods or services to government.
The country’s donors who fund about 40 percent of Malawi’s budget, reacted by suspended about US $150m earmarked for budgetary support.
—You too can send can join the conversation by tweet us @MalawiNation, hashtag #Cashgate. Like us on facebook/MalawiNation.
How can somebody somebody go with only 3yrs for stealing 63 million? May kamanga, a kid yet sand chicane?
That is why i will not understand the legal profession. It is a legalized mafia grouping in itself
She is the daughter to Anna Namathanga Kachikho of DPP in her youth days. It is a fact and the Nation can investigate. Now with the verdict, you can add up the sums!