The Phalombe Magistrate’s Court in southern Malawi on Monday sentenced Alexander Kalema, a police officer at Phalombe Police Station, to 24 months imprisonment with hard labour for three counts of corruption.
In 2010, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) received a complaint alleging that Kalema solicited K36 000 (about $90), but received K18 000 (about $45) to release six suspects on police bail.
ACB senior public relations officer Egrita Ndala said the bureau instituted an investigation which confirmed the allegation.
She said: “The bureau took Alexander Kalema to Phalombe Magistrate’s Court. He was charged with three counts of corrupt practices by public officer and one count of abuse of public office contrary to Sections 24(1) and 25B (1) of the corrupt Practices Act.
“On 10th June, 2013, Phalombe Magistrate’s Court found Alexander Kalema guilty of all the three counts.
“He was sentenced to 24 months, 18 months and 15 months imprisonment respectively with hard labour on the three counts. The sentences will run concurrently.”
According to Ndala, the prosecution also moved the court to order, under Section 37(b) of the Corrupt Practices Act, that the accused person pays back the money he obtained to release the suspects on police bail.
Ndala said the money will be paid to the court which will pass it on to the owner and that the court has also made an order that should the convict fail to pay, it will be at liberty to forfeit property of the convict equivalent in value of K18 000 (about $45).
