Kainja, Kaluba cases await consent—ACB

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) says it is awaiting consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to start prosecuting former Inspector General of Police George Kainja and police legal officer Mwabi Kaluba.

In a written response to a questionnaire, ACB principal public relations officer Egrita Ndala yesterday said the bureau is continuing with investigations into allegations that some government officials had corrupt dealings with United Kingdom-based businessperson Zuneth Sattar whose companies have multi-billion kwacha contracts with Malawi Government ministries, departments and agencies. 

She said: “You are aware that on 24th June, 2022 the bureau arrested former Inspector General of Police Dr. George Kainja and Mwabi Kaluba, the legal officer. The prosecution of these matters is awaiting consent from the DPP.”

Speaking after the arrest of Kainja and Kaluba last month, the bureau’s chief legal and prosecution officer Victor Chiwala indicated that more people would be arrested in relation to Sattar case.

But Ndala said while the report to President Lazarus Chakwera indicated there were 84 people, the number is likely to go up or down, depending on the outcome of the investigations.

She said based on evidence gathered, the 84, from both the public and private sectors, received various gifts from Sattar, including money, motor vehicles, phones, television sets, i-Pads, pairs of shoes, geysers and other items.

Ndala said: “The investigations we are conducting will determine if there was corruption in these exchanges and where the investigation establishes corruption. Thereafter, the bureau will act accordingly.

“The bureau will continue updating the general public on the developments of this case as events unfold.”

In a national address last month, Chakwera said a report on Sattar case submitted to him found that among the 84 individuals who allegedly received money from the UK-based businessperson in 2021 were 13 the ACB said had been extensively investigated to the point of concluding that they conducted themselves corruptly.

The President swiftly sacked Kainja and suspended State Residences chief of staff Prince Kapondamgaga and former chairperson of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) John-Suzi Banda over the matter. He also withdrew delegated powers from Vice-President Saulos Chilima.