Government has redeployed five senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers to civilian institutions, a move that has sparked controversy following a decision by the affected officers to seek legal redress.
Those affected are Major Generals Chikunkha Soko, Saiford Kalisha, Swithan Mchungula, Kakhuta Banda and Brigadier General Harold Dzoole.
The Nation understands that the senior MDF officers have been redeployed to work as directors of security at Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom), National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma), Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) and Electricity Generation Company (Egenco).
One of those affected confirmed the development, but referred us to their lawyer Allan Chinula (SC) for details.
When contacted, Chinula confirmed being engaged by the MDF officers, but said court processes are likely to happen today.
Asked when they will move the court, he said: “Tomorrow [today], maybe late morning. And yes, we are representing all of the five.”
When contacted, Secretary for Defence Elvis Thodi did not pick up our calls while Minister of Defence Chimwemwe Chipungu acknowledged receipt of our questions, promised to respond, but did not do so by press time at 7pm.
But in a written response, security expert Master Dicks Mfune said the Executive has acted beyond its authority as it does not have powers to appoint, discipline or do other employee relations for these positions except for the MDF Council.
He said: “It is becoming a precedent and this looks like people are becoming victims of politics, past and present times, this occurs in Malawi. Best way is to follow proper procedure, in case of the MDF, this request could have been done under the council.”
Retired Brigadier General Marcel Chirwa said it was difficult to dissect the matter due to the absence of reasons for the redeployment.
However, he said such a decision can only be taken if “there are security lapses at those civilian institutions that require the expertise of the officers”.
In a written response, security and management specialist Alex Chisiano, who is also a former Assistant Commissioner of Police, urged caution.
He called for a review of the decision to protect taxpayers’ money.
