By Jones Gadama
The National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) has called on the Malawi government to immediately restart investigations into businessman Zuneth Sattar and fully cooperate with UK prosecutors. This demand comes after Sattar was charged with 18 counts of bribery under the UK Bribery Act.
NACA commended the National Crime Agency (NCA) for its efforts in bringing Sattar to justice, saying the agency has refused to turn a blind eye to corruption exported beyond Malawi’s borders.
The group also praised the NCA’s collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in pursuing the case.
However, NACA expressed concerns about the lack of political will in Malawi to prosecute Sattar and other implicated individuals.
The group highlighted the arrest of former ACB Director General Martha Chizuma, while Sattar remains free. “Justice for the Malawian people cannot be outsourced,” the statement read. “The evidence unearthed by this case must now trigger bold prosecutions at home”.
Sattar, a Malawian-born British businessman, is alleged to have used bribes to influence public officials and win government tenders. One notable case involves a $7.8 million food rations contract awarded to Sattar’s UK-based company, Xavier Limited. Former ACB Director-General Reyneck Matemba is also facing trial over allegations that he concealed his interest in the contract.
The case has significant implications for Malawi’s governance, implicating current and former senior government figures.
NACA’s call for the government to restart investigations and cooperate with UK prosecutors is seen as a crucial step towards holding those responsible accountable.
