By Mercy Matonga:
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) says it has dropped the Tax Payer Identification Number (TPIN) case involving Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) former deputy manager Roza Mbilizi and others.
ACB previously arrested Mbilizi, MRA former customs and excise manager Fredrick Mpeusa and deputy commissioner responsible for enforcement and operations Abigail Kawamba in connection with the alleged duty-free importation of cement.
According to ACB spokesperson Egrita Ndala, the bureau has decided to drop the case as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) intends to use some of the accused people as witnesses.
“An inter-agency meeting of lawyers from the ACB, FIA [Financial Intelligence Authority], MRA and the Office of the DPP decided to drop the case handled by the bureau so that the accused in that case can be used as witnesses in the cement-gate case,” Ndala said.
Ndala could, however, not shed more light on individuals that would be used as witnesses as the case is now being handled by the DPP.
Mbilizi’s lawyer Fostino Maere had two ways of looking at the situation.
“I will be happy if the case is dropped and I will not be surprised because the case hasn’t been in court for a long time.
“However, I am surprised because my client was recently in court answering the cement-gate case and how is it possible to be a witness in a case that she is also answering?” Maere wondered.
Mbilizi and others were charged with abuse of office, in line with Section 25B(1) as read with Section 34 of the Corrupt Practices Act, and neglect of duty, in line with Section 121 of the Penal Code.
It is alleged that over 800,000 bags of cement worth K1.5 billion were imported duty-free between 2018 and 2019 under the pretense that former State president Peter Mutharika was importing the cement.
Recently, the DPP dropped charges against one of the suspects in the case, Shaffe Chunara, who was also implicated in the same matter.
This development comes at a time the Office of the DPP has discontinued several cases on the ground of insufficient evidence.
Under Section 99 (2e and 3) of the Republican Constitution, the DPP has the power to discontinue criminal proceedings at any stage before judgement and is required to provide reasons to the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament within 10 days for purposes of accountability.
0 Comments