Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Mphwiyo Appointment Came With Surprises-Jenya

An economist from Ministry of Finance, Daniel Jenya has told Lilongwe High Court on Wednesday that he noted excessive Government expenditure beginning first month of Paul Mphwiyo appointment as budget director which led to internal investigations of the cause.

Jenya is another witness of first accused, McDonald Kumwembe a suspected shooter in the ongoing case of attempted murder of Paul Mphiwyo. Kumwembe is answering the case together with former Justice Minister, Raphael Kasambara and Pika Manondo.

The witness told the court that in 2013, he was working in the Ministry at Macroeconomic Policy Unit where he was among others, responsible for, compilation, analysis fiscal tables.

When asked by the first accused on what happened immediately when Paul was appointed as budget director, Jenya said he observed unusual rise in the Government monthly expenditure of below K40 billion exceeding levels in months of July and August alone which raised eyebrows of officials from Ministry of Finance.

He said the expenditure in the month of July unexpectedly went up from below normal expenditure to 55 billion while the month of August it went up to K75 billion.

He testified that, he had at one point spoke to Paul Mphwiyo of the development but his response seem he was as well surprised, but, was quick to question why there was no inflation if Government expenditure had exceeded its ceiling between those months.

He said this forced officials including those from Reserve bank of Malawi, Treasury and Ministry of Finance to hold several meetings in order to determine the cause.

It was through one of the meetings he said, where he learnt that there were huge payments made to the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) and during that meeting Mphwiyo acknowledged such expenditure a development which did not only surprise him knowing that the same Mphwiyo had earlier expressed ignorance of where the expenditure came from but as well that such expenditure was never budgeted for.

Jenya said he learnt from the meeting that the MDF expenditure was for the procurement of equipments for Peace Keeping mission and arms. 

However, he pointed out that the meeting agreed that the RBM would send the Treasury and Accountant general, images of cheques above K50 million for the accountant general to reconcile with their expenditures. But he said the images were provided the following day of the meeting and such reconciliation was never done and that the meeting had also raised the issue of porous financial system.

Jenya said he noted from the images of cheques that there were huge payments from Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) to International Procurement Services and that in Malawi Defence Force there was several cheques printed on the same dates to the same supplier.

He also told court that at one point it came to be known in the meetings’ that even the Ministry of Information had exceeded its expenditure from appropriated K307 million to K5.3 billion between July and early September.

He said Mphwiyo was shot as the investigations into the expenditure were continuing.

Jenya said he grew suspicious of Paul Mphwiyo appointment as budget director in May for the subsequent immediate and unusual enormous public appraisal about him through media articles yet the post is a low profile.

He also told Court that it surprised him to hear from radio that President Joyce Banda had publicly defended Paul Mphwiyo by pronouncing that the young budget director was possibly shot because his assailants were enraged by his actions of trying hard to seal all financial loopholes in Government, a statement Jenya believes should have either been made by Mphwiyo’s office or the ministry of information.

The second part of the testimony was heard in camera as the Prosecution deemed part of the testimony as sensitive since it involved issues of tenders of supplying arms to Malawi Defense Force.

Another Government officer who happened to be Jenya's boss Mr. Juwawo also his testimony was heard in camera.

Mozambique, Malawi We Are One People- Gune

The Mozambican Government says there is strong bilateral relations with Malawi and that the two Governments will continue working together.

The Mozambican High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Jeorge David Gune made the remarks after presenting his letters of credence to State President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday, 12th January.

Ambassador Gune said their meeting with Mutharika held in camera, discussed that Malawi and Mozambique are one people and wished good bilateral relations to continue.

He also mentioned that the two countries will ensure continued interest in total support and working together.

Mutharika Angered With Corruption At MEC As Mbendera Tries To Fire-fight Allegations

Mutharika shaking hands with Mbendera

Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner’s audience with President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday reached to a peak when the State President expressed his displeasure with reports that some MEC Commissioners have embezzled funds.

MEC Commissioners had an audience with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday 12th January 2015 where the commission made a formal presentation of 2014 Tripartite Election Report. 

Mutharika did not mince words over alleged K1.6 billion looted at MECM “Mr. Chairman, whilst my Government is ready and willing to support the Commission, I am very concerned by reports of financial mismanagement and lack of probity within the ranks of the Commission which have been brought to my attention from time to time.” he said

“It is important that independence and accountability go hand in hand. Your credibility as Commissioners gets eroded by the persistent reports we read concerning lack of financial probity within the Commission. That in turn does very little to inspire confidence in Malawians who offer themselves to run for Public Office if the men and women who must make a final decision regarding their fate have doubtful credibility”

Mutharika therefore appealed to the Commission “to address and resolve all issues of concern in a manner which is transparent so that nobody harbours any doubt regarding your credibility as Electoral Commissioners.”

However, speaking in an interview immediately when the meeting ended, Mbendera said the issue was blown out of proportion and that those who alleged any mismanagement of funds at the institution lacked evidence.

Mbendera said the President was speaking of what people are continuously saying on the matter but “It is not true that there was massive looting” at MEC since appointment of the current Commissioners.

“We are and we were able to account for every allegations made by auditors” said while adding “There was no money lost at MEC”

Government, CCAP Blantyre Synod Bond Unbreakable

President Peter Mutharika has assured that good relation between the Church of the Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) of Blantyre Synod and his Government will not cease because it benefits the lives of people in the country.

Mutharika was speaking on Tuesday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when the CCAP of Blantyre Synod was introducing to him the newly Synod elected leadership as well as Management Board that includes Secretary General and the Moderator.

“Let me assure the new leadership that Government will do its best to make sure that the relationship that has existed between the CCAP Blantyre Synod and Government will continue for the betterment of the lives of our People” guaranteed, Mutharika

He continued “The Church’s relationship with Government is very vital in finding concrete solutions to the needs of our People regardless of their belief. Together, we provide our people with education, food, health, water and sanitation and empowerment services, among others. We are partners in development. And together, we will do more.”

Mutharika has called upon the faithful Christians of Blantyre Synod to be obedient and loyal to their Leadership, and remain united so that their Leaders can better fulfil their responsibilities as the true servants of Go.

Likewise, the President also called upon the new leadership to continue nurturing the Faith of their Christians “This is important because with Faith everything is possible. And Faith is beyond Church. When people have faith in God, they have faith in themselves; they believe in themselves. They believe in their capabilities; and they work hard. They become people of integrity; and they become patriotic. This is what will make Malawi progress”

In his remarks, new Blantyre Synod General Secretary Alex Benson Maulana said the Synod commits to continue playing its prophetic role and advisory role to the Government of the day if given space. 

“We shall try whatever we can to engage with the leadership and the Government of the day as development partners.” He said and further assured the President that the Synod will continue to render its’ its moral, spiritual and social support as partners in development while maintaining their prophetic role.

Maulana also told Mutharika that the synod plans to establish a University and also establish a water bottling plant as a way of generating revenue for the church.

The CCAP Blantyre Synod also commended President Mutharika for strength and Courage to manage this nation without any donor support since he took over government up to now “You have our support and we shall continue to pray for your success towards greater heights as long as the lives citizens of this nation are uplifted.” Assured Maulana

New office bearers of Blantyre Synod were elected during the 30th Synod Biennial Assembly which took place from 24th -28th August, 2015.

During the interface with the President, the Synod introduced its Moderator and vice Moderator, Rev. Robson Chimkwezule and Edna Navia respectively and General Secretary, Alex Benson Maulana.

The meeting with the President was the Synod’s tradition and practice, that soon after any Biennial Assemblies they book appointment with Head of State to present an update on some issues of national interest deliberated during assemblies and to introduce the newly elected Synod Leadership.

The Synod and the President also spoke in Camera on issues of national interests.

MEC Gets No Pressure From Mutharika Government- MEC Commission

Mutharika shaking hands with Mbendera

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has publicly said it has never received any pressure from Government in its operations since ascendancy to power of President Peter Mutharika and has since applauded the State President for ensuring that the Electoral body operates freely as well training Commissioners so that they are well versed with matters of elections.

MEC Chairperson, Justice Maxon Mbendera was speaking during MEC Commissioners audience with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday 12th January 2015 where the commission made a formal presentation of 2014 Tripartite Election Report. 

Before handing over the report, Mbendera emphasised that the Commission is enjoying working with the President and his Government. 

“Unlike in other jurisdictions, Your Excellency, does not, and has never interfered with the work of the Commission. Your Excellency has ensured that You Sir give us the space to work independently in fulfillment of our mandate.” Said Mbendera adding that he never got a phone call from the President, directing him what the commission ought to do

Commissioners were meeting with the President for the first time since 2014 Tripartite Elections because they failed to meet the first citizen last year due to his tight schedule. Although the report was sent out to all political parties long time ago but the Commission needed to meet the president since under section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, the Commission is obliged to present the report to the President. 

MEC Chair’s speech dwelled much on highlighting some of the major activities and achievements the commission has registered since Mutharika’s ascendancy to power.

Some of the achievements mentioned include by-elections for the seats that fell vacant for various reasons after the 2014 Tripartite Elections and capacity building programmes for both Commissioners and staff at MEC. 

Mbendera said the Commission conducted three sets of by-elections; in October 2014, August 2015 and 22nd December 2015. And thanked Mutharika Government for providing financial support for conducting these by-elections and described such gesture as a “Commitment” to the “democratization process of this country” to ensure that the people are represented at all times.

He further noted with appreciation of capacity building programmes which he said has enabled Commissioners to be well versed in matters of elections as they prepare for 2019 elections.

Mbendera said the Commissioners have been exposed to various capacity building programes including; civic education, logistics, voter registration, conflict management, and that recently, the Commissioners and Staff have been capacitated to carry out a very critical function of demarcation with excellence. 

“In short your Excellency, I want to underscore the fact that Commissioners are well prepared to undertake the tasks that lie ahead. You can be assured that they will perform their duties with professionalism.

We wish to assure Your Excellency, that with kind of training we have been receiving over the years, we shall deliver quality elections in the country. It is a desire of the Commissioners to make the Malawi Electoral Commission a centre of Excellence in Elections Management.” He said 

Mbendera further thanked president Mutharika’s Government for providing funds for ongoing demarcation programme and current budget of the Commission.

“Your Excellency, with this support, Malawins are assured of having quality services from the Commission. On our part, we shall continue to serve the nation without fear or favour.” Said Mbendera

Among others, Mbendera said in 2015 and 2016 financial Year, the Commission has lined up plans including, demarcation of wards and constituencies, voter registration exercise and has also supported electoral reforms process. The Commissioners also reminded the President of the expiry of their first term of office in May 2016 and in of Chairman coming to an end in October , 2016.

In his remarks president Peter Mutharika, appreciated the Commission for organizing and managing the 2014 tripartite elections as well as subsequent by-elections.

“Mr. Chairman, the conduct of the recent bye-elections does indeed show that your Commission has come of age and has acquired the relevant experience in managing elections. 

I would therefore like to assure you that my Government is ready and willing to offer the support to your Commission in the discharge of its legal mandate.” Said President Mutharika 

He also informed the president that the term of their office for Commissioners comes to an end in May this year while his terms ends in October this year.

A Mine Collapse Kills Wife, Husband Left With Multiple Bruises In Salima

A wife has been killed as husband survives with multiple bruises in the whole body during a mine collapse in Salima district.

The fatal incident happened when the upper cavity of a tunnel collapsed while the family was inside searching for precious stones.

Police Public Relations Officer in the district, Sub Inspector Gift Chitowe says Police in the district have identified the deceased as a 36 year old Elinati Mkaundu of Fuse village T/A Kalonga in the district.

Chitowe says the two got trapped inside of the tunnel which they are suspected to have been extracting Granite stones.

"On 8th January the deceased together with her husband left their home to Sadzu village where they wanted to try their luck in search of precious Granite stones and upon arrival at the site they went straight to the pit and started searching for those stones.

But all over a sudden, the earth of that pit fell on them and the deceased died on the spot while her husband was left with multiple bruises in the whole body." Explains Chitowe

He also indicated that Salima Distict Hospital confirmed that the death was caused by suffocation.

This is not the first time that illegal small scale miners in the same village, Sadzu, have been reported killed while extracting precious stones, a new hot business in the area which is attracting people from Lilongwe, Dowa and Salima districts.

On Christmas day in 2014, three people were killed while two others survived mine collapse as they were extracting Gemstones. Two men aged 24 and 25 and a 2 year old girl were killed in the accident while the mother of the girl and another man were admitted at Salima district hospital for sustained serious injuries.

Man Aged 41 Gets 10 Yrs Imprisonment For Defiling 8 Year Girl In Dowa

41 year old Man in Dowa district has been sentenced to serve 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling 8 year old girl.

The man identified as Harold Vanison from Chioko village T/A Nkukula in the district was convicted after pleading guilty to defilement charge.

According to Dowa Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Richard Kaponda the Dowa First Grade Magistrate Curt heard that the convict has been sexually abusing the little girl for several times until this year on 4th January when her mother suspected her daughter's limp walking. 

Kaponda said the court was told that after assaulting the girl the convict used to give the victim some sweets and fresh maize as a way of keeping her mouth shut.

The Dowa district police Publicist said during court appearance on Friday 8th January the convict after pleading guilty he asked the court to exercise leniency on him saying that a lengthy custodial sentence will bring suffering to his family because he is the bread winner and further asked for time to be let go home to apply fertilizer in his garden since it is a farming season.

But Sergeant Kaponda said Police Prosecutor, sub inspector Beston Chimbenenga prayed for stiffer sentence which may deter other would be offenders.

Sergeant Kaponda said at last, First Grade Magistrate His Worship Emulani Phiri agreed with the police prosecutor saying the convict needed stiffer punishment to deter other would be offenders because cases of defilement are common in Dowa district then passed the verdict of 10 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour.