Malawi Ex — Ministers and Presidential Secretary Detained Over Alleged Fertiliser Contract Fraud. Lilongwe, Malawi — Malawi Police have confirmed the arrest of three former high-ranking government officials on charges of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering in relation to a K200 billion ($114 million) fertiliser contract.
The suspects include former Minister of Finance Sosten Gwengwe, former Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, and former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba.
According to the Malawi Police Service (MPS) spokesperson Lael Chimtembo, the investigation into the contracts, which involved fertiliser, soya beans, and tobacco, was conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Officials commented on the matter.
The contracts in question were entered into between East Bridge and the Government of Malawi, involving the Ministry of Agriculture and the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi.
The suspects are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
The arrest of the former officials comes amidst a growing concern over corruption and financial mismanagement in Malawi. This case is significant as it involves a substantial amount of public funds and could have wide-ranging implications for the country’s economy and political landscape.
Further details regarding the nature of the alleged fraud and the specific roles of the accused officials are not immediately available.
Officials have not yet commented on the matter, and the situation remains under investigation.
