BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Shadric Namalomba, spokesperson for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), on charges of misuse of public office and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The allegations relate to events dating back to 2015, when Namalomba was serving as Commissioner for Customs and Excise at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, ACB senior public relations officer Jacqueline Ngongonda disclosed that the arrest followed a complaint received by the Bureau on 27 March 2025.
The complaint alleged that Namalomba used his official position to facilitate the release and exportation of banned hardwood logs known as Mukula, contravening a 2008 Ministry of Trade ban on exporting such timber products.
The 2008 ban was instituted to curb the illegal logging and export of Mukula, a hardwood species protected under Malawi’s forestry regulations due to concerns over deforestation and environmental degradation.
Despite this prohibition, investigations by the ACB revealed that Namalomba enabled the unlawful transfer and storage of Mukula logs at Elvis Freight and Cargo Services Limited.
This facility is reportedly linked to private businessperson and United Transformation Movement (UTM) patron Noel Masangwi.
Further findings by the ACB indicated that Masangwi, in collusion with Namalomba, bypassed established customs protocols.
This collaboration allegedly facilitated the illegal exportation of the banned timber products, in violation of Malawi Revenue Authority procedures and the Ministry of Trade’s ban.
“The arrest follows a complaint received by the Bureau on 27 March 2025, alleging that in or around 2015, Mr. Namalomba used his official position to facilitate the release and exportation of banned hardwood (Mukula) logs in contravention of the Ministry of Trade’s 2008 ban on the export of such timber products,” reads part of the statement issued by the ACB.
The statement also highlighted that the two accused conspired to commit a felony by circumventing lawful customs processes, thereby enabling the illegal exportation of Mukula logs.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s action underscores ongoing efforts to address corruption and illegal activities within public institutions in Malawi.
Shadric Namalomba remains in custody as investigations continue, and further legal proceedings are anticipated.
No official response from Namalomba or his legal representatives has been reported as of yet. Likewise, efforts to obtain comments from Noel Masangwi have not been successful.
This case draws significant attention to issues relating to the enforcement of environmental regulations and the accountability of public officials in Malawi.
The outcome of the investigations and subsequent prosecution will be closely monitored by stakeholders interested in governance and natural resource management.
