Cashgate: Katengeza Maintains Innocent Plea... Cried In Court

Katengeza hiding her face

Angela Katengeza on Tuesday, maintains she was dragged in the Cashgate scam unknowingly by convict Leonard Kalonga as the court also learn she was studying to become a Pastor when her company certificates was used to defraud government.

Katengeza owner of Faith Construction, was involved in looting of public money dubbed cashgate after her bank account had received two cheques in separate occasions without rendering any service to government.

In self confession, Leonard Kalonga said he recruited 17 contractors among them Katengeza company which brought new contractor in the scam. And that everyone was explained and aware of the scam.

However, Katengeza categorically denies any awareness of the scam and recruiter role. 

She insists, Kalonga never explained to her that he would use her company certificate to defraud government. But explained that she lend Leonard Kalonga her company certificate after he claimed that there was an emergency tender at his office which requires a construction company to place a bid but he could not use his company certificates since he was a civil servant there.

Angela Katengeza troed hard to hide
Her face

Katengeza said in his approach, Kalonga also disclosed that the work was to be done in Mangochi district where “Amayi” (Dr. Joyce Banda, Malawi’s former president) was expected to open as part of her campaign.

Katengeza who at first was serene in the court dock standing before Justice Fiona Mwale, was then shedding tears as she was responding to questions from state prosecutor, Reyneck Matemba.

Katengeza also denied claim by Kalonga statement that she brought a contractor in the scam.

“Kalonga, asked me to get him other contractors but I advised him not to do so because some contractors are untrustworthy, they can runaway with the money. But he insisted on his wish. 

Then I called my brother who always help me whenever am in trouble. I explained that there was this job which he rebuffed but Kalonga kept pressure that I should try to convince him to accept the deal. Later, he (Kalonga) continued to demand names and contact numbers for my brother’s company which I shared him so that he can just contact himself” Katengeza narrates

“If I was aware of this scam, definitely I would not have loved to put my brother in trouble. But I was cheated and used to do this work. But this was a scam by government officers and not us. Even my name including of companies implicated in this scam were never mentioned in Kalonga statement that we were present in their secret meetings. This proves that we were dragged in the scam unknowingly” said Katengeza who was sobbing as she tried to prove her innocence

It was said in the court by the state prosecutor, Reyneck Matemba that the suspect got first cheque amounting to K36 million which she deposited into her account at FDH Bank in City Centre in Lilongwe then she withdrew the money to Kalonga and a month later she did the same for second cheque amounting to K69 million.

But Katengeza told the court that from all the cheques, she only got K3 million commission which also covered costs for use of her company certificates, bank account overdraft, fuel and airtime.

She also contradicted herself during cross examination when mentioning that she used to withdraw the money in phases due to bank restrictions which permitted her to withdraw money not exceeding K20 million or sometimes K20 million. But later changed after being quizzed by the state after noting that she has changed the tune. She then went to her earlier statement that the money was withdrawn upon demand and per amount needed by Leonard Kalonga when said he needed to buy materials for the project. She also indicated that some times it was difficult to withdraw the large amount of money because ot was difficult to carry them. 

After examination in chief the suspect Katengeza looked too fatigue that she needed a court personnel to help her walk to the other side of the court dock.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to a later date for Judgment which would either see her being convicted or acquitted. The defense is expected to make written submissions by 7th of October 2015 while the prosecution will be expected to respond by 28th of October 2015.

3.5M Malawians On Airtel

Airtel Malawi has disclosed that up to 3.5 million Malawians are now subscribed to its mobile network.

"Airtel continues to lead the way, it has now registered 3.5 million subscribers on its network thereby making the largest telecommunications operator in the country." Announced Airtel in a press statement dated 7th September 2015

Airtel Malawi was the second mobile telecommunications operator in Malawi and it rolled out its operations in 1999.

The company has since promised Malawians that it will remain committed in uplifting people's lives and comprehensively contribute to the development of Mother Malawi.

"Airtel shall substantially increase its investment in corporate social responsibility activities. Subscribers should also expect more people centred innovative solutions, services and products in as far as mobile telecommunications is concerned." Reads the statement

"With the feat of attaining a 3.5 million subscriber base, Airtel is so thankful to its customer for making the brand a champion of their lives. Airtel believes customers deserve all the credit for making this attainment happen." Adds the statement

Airtel Malawi has earned it's prowess in the market for spearheading the introduction of major innovative products and services on the domestic scene.

Not only that, Airtel has also been a darling to its customers through its various marketing promotions which have transformed lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals across Malawi.

The leading mobile telecommunications provider has also invested heavily in corporate social responsibility activities (in health, education, sports and arts) and these activities have been instrumental in developing the country, the welfare of people thereby underlining Airtel's leadership among the rest.

The 3.5 million subscriber mark attained in August 2015 therefore underlines Airtel as the biggest and largest mobile telecommunications provider in Malawi.

Globally, Airtel is the 3rd largest operator with over 333 million subscribers to its credit.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Court To Subpoena Joyce Banda As Witness

Lilongwe High Court 

The High Court Registrar is expected to make a decisive action which will possibly force former President Dr. Joyce Banda to come back to Malawi to stand as a defense witness in Paul Mphwiyo shooting case.

During the court sitting on Friday last week resolved that the Court Registrar should subpoena all witnesses named by defense but currently seem not likely to come to stand as witnesses.

The decision was made following request from second accused, Pika Manondo that court must intervene and use its power to bring to court former Head of State Dr. Banda who currently is outside the country and she seem not to come back in the country very soon.

Manondo said the former President has a lot to explain in this case.

His request was made after Judge Michael Mtambo remarks before adjourning the case. He emphasised that he wants the case be concluded very fast. 

He said court will not tolerate any delays and that the defense should call its witnesses during the upcoming sitting of court. 

Justice Mtambo also warned that he will not hesitate to revoke bail of the accused persons who fail to cooperate.

Kachale: High Court Registrar must
  subpoena witnesses 

But when the state was asked to help defense bring witnesses to court, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale said the High Court Registrar was in the right place to subpoena all witnesses.

Kachale said with that authoritative letter, enforcement agencies can react in a situation where the witness is not willing to appear in court.

Former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo was shot at the gate of his house in area 43 during the night of 13th September 2015. His shooting led to number of arrests in connection to looting of public money dubbed cashgate.

McDonald Kumwembe identified as a shooter was found with case to answer on attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder together with Pika Manondo while former Justice Minister and Attorney General, Raphael Kasambara was found with case to answer on conspiracy to commit murder.

Kaliati Dedicates SADC Gender Protocol Award to Malawians

Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Hon Patricia Kaliati says her Gender Protocol Award came from support which Malawians are earnestly giving to Government programmes and initiatives on gender. 

Last month, Hon. Kaliati received an award of excellence in the acceleration of gender protocols in the Southern Africa Development (SADC) region. 

But speaking in an interview, the Gender Minister, noted that Malawians have played a significant role to her achievement of being SADC region driver of change in acceleration of gender related issues.

Hon Kaliati said Malawians are supporting Government in its effort of achieving gender equality, ending gender based violence, poverty, security, peace among others which her ministry is coordinating.

She therefore said such support has given her a muscle to be active on Gender issues in the country.

Kaliati Receive present from hon Nankhumwa 

“We have done well as a country because of all this support. I feel good for this recognition but I also give back to the nation as well as to all Malawian women for their support” said Kaliati

“And I also salute the media for tirelessly exposing gender issues happening in our country and informing the nation and beyond the borders of number of initiatives that Malawi is doing on gender. It is my prayer that the media will continue informing the nation as well as across the borders of what we are doing here in SADC region” she added

The Gender Minister further noted with appreciation, the support and political will which State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has for the country to achieve gender protocols.

“Our President, champion of He for She Campaign has placed a focus on gender and women empowerment in number of programmes. President Mutharika has signed into law, number of legislations that promotes gender and women empowerment as well as on child protection. His directives and encouragements have made Malawi a shining star in SADC and that has contributed to my success of winning this award.” Kaliati explains

She then asked all Malawians to work together in the promotion of Gender related issues for the common good of Malawian woman and child for the country to continue register outstanding achievements on gender in SADC region.

Macadamia Releases “Music For You” EP

A local promising hip hop music group Macadamia has dropped an Extended Play (EP) album titled "Music For You" 

Music For You, is the group's second studio recorded material but is being given out for free and available for download on http://www.datafilehost.com/d/00ecf8bb. 

"This EP is full of talent. Artists have brought out the best and is set to be a game changer" announced Macadamia Management on their twitter handle and facebook page.

Macadamia 

The Lilongwe based group signed under the record label Macadamia Entertainment, has in its EP, fused and recorded original beats with emerging producer Dj Trasha (Trevor Chiwembu) of T.R Soundlab.

Recording of 'Music For You' carrying ten tracks, began in 2014 and consists of their hit singles 'Keep on Pushing and Harmony' which are currently enjoying massive airplay on most local radio stations.

Through their music which focuses on positive message for the positive impact in the society, Macadamia hopes to make a landmark difference in the hip hop music community.

The Macadamia Entertainment says is set to look in the future with more projects as long as they sell their entertainment brand to the corporate and business world.

"We are now set to diversify into offering innovative entertainment solutions to the Malawian corporate demographic.

"This means we intend to work with corporate companies to expand their image through our media services such as music video product placement, product branding and event sponsoring" explained Macadamia Entertainment Public Relations Officer, Gomezgani Ng'ambi

Macadamia founded in 2012, consist of rappers; Bitz (Amos Tizora Jr.), Bulldozer (Kumbukani Luka), Chal-Z (Thomas Chalira), Evanzmuzik (Evance Chimwala) & G-Mez (Gomezgani Ng'ambi)

2 Mozambican Men Gets 14 Year Prison Sentence for Defilement

Two Mozambican young men in Ntcheu district to spend 14 years in prison when court found them guilty of defilement of a 12 year old girl in the month of July this year.

However, according to sub Inspector Hastings Chigalu, a Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the district said another person linked to the incident is still on the loose.

Chigalu said the two men have been sentenced after being found guilty and convicted by Ntcheu First Grade Magistrate Court of gang rape of a little girl in Ntcheu as she was on her way to cousin's house.

“Court heard that on 26 July 2015 first accused Thamoson Dzonzi aged 25 together with the second accused Chimwemwe Lomao aged 21 and a third person (name withheld for he is still at large) defiled a 12 year old girl who is in standard 3.

“These three men raped the girl one after the other at Mapira village around 18;00 hours” explained Chigalu

The police officer said during sentence hearing, prosecutor Sergeant Amos Jobo prayed for a stiffer punishment considering the trauma the girl went through while the convicts had in their mitigation, pleaded for leniency for being first offenders and that they look after their families. 

“But in his ruling, Ntcheu First Grade Magistrate, Jones Masula quashed the convict’s arguments while concurring with the prosecution. The Magistrate said their conduct was is a serious offence contrary to section 138 of the penal code. He therefore said they deserve stiffer punishment because they did not only destroy the girl's virginity, but the trauma she experienced apparently will have longtime effect in her life.” Sub Inspector Chigalu narrates

Chigalu then described the 14 year prison sentence a sigh of relief to Ntcheu Police because cases of defilement and rape are being registered each passing week. 

“As police will leave no stone unturned in protecting our young girls.” Added Chigalu

Both Thamoson Dzonzi and Chimwemwe Lomao hail from Mthawira village of T/A Majawa in Villa Ulongwe, Mozambique.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Kumwembe Application for Judge Recusal Dismissed

Lilongwe Court 

Justice Michael Mtambo has on Friday, dismissed judge recusal application made by MacDonald Kumwembe, suspected shooter in the attempted murder of Paul Mphwiyo, for lack of merit.

His application has also earned him a four months prison sentence for sarcasm, rudeness and demeaning the judge.

Justice Mtambo has refused to recuse himself from hearing the case for a second time now following application that was made by third accused person Raphael Kasambara which the judge had also dismissed in June. 

Kumwembe applied for the recusal of presiding Judge Mtambo on grounds of bias and that he perceived that the judge has already intended to make a ruling against him.

Kumwembe being handcuffed for contempt 

The application, which has provoked the judge to send him to prison, therein Kumwembe likened Judge Michael Mtambo to a thief by describing him as a “modern day, Robin Hood” (a heroic outlaw in English folklore portrayed as robbing from the rich to give to the poor)

Kumwembe also in his application added a CV which he claims belongs to the judge and that it speaks volume of the possible bias which may result him being found guilty and convicted of the alleged crime he is answering.

But in his ruling, the judge argued that Kumwembe application failed to lay foundation for judge recusal and that the claimed CV does not add any substance to justify the recusal of the Judge.

“Anybody can pick any document from anywhere and say that this is a CV of someone” said Mtambo as he discredits the validity of the alleged CV.

Kumwembe being walked to Maula Prison 

While the Judge wondered as of who served Kumwembe the claimed CV and the motive behind, Justice Mtambo also mentioned that the said CV does not set grounds for judge recusal and it must have been sourced through theft.

“CVs are confidential documents…. and you can’t just get someone CV. That is stealing“ he then added that such actions may pressure other judges to recuse themselves in fear that if they take up the case someone will dig up something from them.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned for 24th to 26th of September 2015. The court is in the next sitting expected to continue with pending state application for the bail revocation of McDonald Kumwembe.

The Judge has also asked the court to submit on whether the court can of its own motion review the bail status of the third accused person Raphael Kasambara. This comes after the court observed that that there has been no cooperation from defense after it was learnt that Kasambara has been aiding Kumwembe on several issues including the filing, typing, and printing of judge recusal application and on claims made by Kumwembe of the ownership of the alleged CV for the judge. 

Kumwembe and Pika Manondo were found with case to answer on attempted murder and conspiracy to murder former of former budget director Paul Mphwiyi while Lawyer Raphael Kasambara was found with case to answer on conspiracy to commit murder. 

Cross Examination of Kumwembe’ Application for Judge Recusal

During Friday court sitting, Kumwembe sought for Chichewa translator for the cross examination of his application for the judge recusal a development which led the state to ascertain that Kumwembe had not written the application by himself as the application had been crafted in such a very good English.

Mary Kachale: Kumwembe was used by
Ralph And Arnolds 

The State insisted that Kumwembe was being used by Ralph and Arnold Associates which belongs to Raphael Kasambara for his application for the judge recusal.

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale said all documents from Kumwembe were typed and printed by Ralph and Arnolds Associate of which Kumwembe denied.

“All these ideas were not yours and you are just being used by Ralph and Arnolds” claimed Kachale though Kumwembe denied the assertion by stating that he typed and printed the documents at some internet cafes he can’t remember their names and exact location but were in area 4.

When asked more about the CV which he claim to be of Justice Mtambo, Kumwembe said unnamed “well-wisher” just brought it at his home then he went with it to Raphael Kasambara who identified it as Mtambo’s CV because of its signature.

The state also told court that Kumwembe has been following the presiding Judge for a long time to the extent that he knew extra security personnel that were assigned for the Judge. However, Kumwembe denied by stating that he was tipped by unknown police officer whom he met at a pub in Lilongwe. 

Asked to describe who Robin Hood is, Kumwembe said must be a judge somewhere else, an answer which the state further justified that Kumwembe was not the person who wrote the application for judge recusal.