Malawi’s Energy Depart Director Cassius Chiwambo, Gilbert Nyirenda arrested over MK15bn bribe

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Anti-Corruption Bureau(ACB) on Friday October 28,2022 arrested Director of Energy in the Department of Energy, Cassius Chiwambo and Ministry of Mines; Principal Mining Engineer Gilbert Bright Nyirenda over suspected corruption.

This was confirmed in a statement by the bureau’s Spokesperson, Egritta Ndala on Friday October 28,2022 who said on December 17 2020, they received a complaint alleging that the owner of Ilomba Granite Mining Company in Chitipa corruptly paid US$300,000 to some Government officials to have his mining licence renewed.

Ndala added that the bureau’s investigations further revealed that the ministry officials demanded US$15, 000,000 (MK15.4 billion) and received US$5,000 (MK5.1 million) plus MK500,000 cash to facilitate renewal of the licence.

She said the money was allegedly shared by Chiwambo and Nyirenda.

Meanwhile, ACB is yet to record caution statements from the two.

Chiwambo and Nyirenda are expected to appear before court after the bureau has interviewed them.

Chisomo Phiri

I am an experienced young journalist who writes for Malawi’s major print and online publications. I currently work for The Maravi Post (www.maravipost.com), one of the Malawi’s fastest growing Online Newspapers as a National Reporter. I am interested in environmental, science and innovation, Education and human rights reporting