Eyebrows raised over transfer of cashgate investigator

A political analyst has said the transfer of police officers investigating the Capital Hill cashgate scandal would raise suspicions among the public.

Political analyst Mustafa Hussein made the observation on Wednesday in reaction to the transfer of Stanley Chaima, who was deputy head of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at police headquarters in Lilongwe.

Chaima has been transferred to Neno as police officer-in-charge.

But Hussein said the transfer would undermine current investigations on the cashgate.

“The [Capital Hill] cashgate (scandal) is important and sensitive because people are waiting for tangible results. To move away people that are involved in the investigations will create the impression that government is playing some tricks. This is because those people started the job and have some vital knowledge of the matter. Therefore, it was necessary for them to complete investigations,” said Hussein.

But Inspector General of Police Lot Dzonzi dismissed fears that Chaima’s transfer will affect investigations.

“These are normal transfers that police have carried out from time to time. We have taken an oath to work anywhere in the country,” said Dzonzi.

He confirmed that Chaima, an assistant commissioner of police, is going to Neno.

“He is on transfer and a replacement has already been found. This means that there is continuity,” he said.

But Hussein said police could have waited for investigations on the scandal to conclude before effecting transfers.