The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has extended the forced leave for Nkhotakota district commissioner (DC) Felix Mkandawire by three more months to pave the way for further forensic investigations.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development spokesperson Muhlabase Mughogho yesterday said the extension of the suspension was made following recommendations from the Central Internal Audit that carried out a forensic investigation.
“Investigations are still in progress. We only got a report from Central Internal Audit yesterday [Monday]. We are going to send recommendations to Nkhotakota District Council for responses. This is part of the investigation process,” she said.
In May this year, the ministry sent Mkandawire on a four-month forced leave for allegedly mismanaging development funds and negligence as a controlling officer.
The DC’s suspension came barely three months after the then director of finance John Ndalama was suspended in February for six months for alleged gross negligence of duty.
Mkandawire acknowledged the development in an interview on Monday but said he went on leave just like every public servant does.
The officer has been DC for Nkhotakota district since January 2015.
