Tag Archives: Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta

Law and order, Malawi

Mbeta blasts media for distorting his role in Amaryllis Hotel Purchase saga

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta has accused the media of misrepresenting his role in the controversial acquisition of Amaryllis Hotel and has told MPs that he never authorised or endorsed the purchase, a claim that has sparked a war of words with journalists.

Mbeta was appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where he said reports that suggested his office gave a green light to the MK128.7 billion deal were false, and he was determined to set the record straight.

“I did not authorise or endorse the purchase,” Mbeta told the committee, his voice firm and resolute as he sought to distance himself from the contentious deal.

He then read from his letter of December 20, 2025, to show that his advice was conditional, a move that seemed to catch some committee members off guard.

“I advised the board to review the risks and ensure compliance with prudent investment principles and regulatory requirements before proceeding with the transaction,” Mbeta said, emphasising the cautious approach he had taken.

The Attorney General said the final decision was always for the Board of Trustees of the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), which has absolute discretion under the trust deed and pension laws, a point he seemed keen to stress.

A report from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and another from the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) found no evidence of corruption but pointed to prudential issues relating to sound financial management, a finding that has raised more questions than answers.

Mbeta told MPs that his advice was based on those findings and that he had simply reminded the board of its fiduciary obligations, a claim that has sparked debate on the level of accountability.

“My role is to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Commercial issues are outside my mandate,” said Mbeta, seemingly trying to deflect criticism.

He added that his advice required the board to satisfy itself that all conditions were met before proceeding, something he said some media reports had ignored, a claim that has sparked a heated debate on the role of the media in scrutinising government actions.

Law and order, Malawi

AG Frank Mbeta faces Parley in Amaryllis Hotel Purchase probe

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The much awaited meeting between Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta and Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) is slated today, Wednesday morning in ongoing Amaryllis Hotel purchase probe.

Mbeta, who twice failed to honour summons, is expected to appear before the committee at 9 AM, as confirmed by PAC chairperson Steven Malondera on Tuesday.

PAC is scrutinising how the hotel was acquired at a staggering MK128.7 billion, nearly three times higher than an earlier market valuation of K47 billion conducted in July 2023.

On Tuesday night, the suspended Principal Officer of Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) George Jim, also appeared before PAC, disclosing key details as part of the ongoing investigations.

Jim told the committee that former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba pushed the trust to purchase the hotel.

Zamba who is also in court for office abuse will face the committee in the ongoing probe.

Lifestyle

AG Mbeta dodges Parley on Amaryllis Hotel purchase probe

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Attorney general Frank Mbera has failed to appear before Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) in the ongoing Amaryllis Hotel purchase probe.

Mbeta was supposed to appear before PAC today but he has asked Parliament to assign him another day.

PAC chairperson, Steven Baba Malondera told the inquiry committee that Parliament received communication at 8:45 this morning that Mbeta will not be able to make it for the inquiry today due to other urgent commitments.

Mbeta was supposed to appear before the committee at 9:30am but he wrote Clerk of Parliament to be excused.

Malondera has since asked Parliament’s Secretariat to summon Mbeta to appear before the committee on Wednesday at 17:30.

Over the weekend PAC hinted that those involved in the matter will be summoned on public space.

corruption, Human Rights

CDEDI issues 7 days ultimatum for Chief Justice Mzikamanda, AG Mbeta

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Civil rights grouping the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has launched a blistering attack on Malawi’s top legal authorities, declaring that the rule of law has “collapsed” and demanding the immediate resignation of the Chief Justice and the Attorney General.

Addressing the new conference on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa says public trust in the Judiciary has reached its lowest point in the country’s history, arguing that confidence in the institution is fast eroding amid mounting allegations of corruption.

The organisation claims the Judiciary, one of the three arms of government, is losing legitimacy because public office rests on two key pillars, competence and trust.

According to CDEDI, once trust diminishes, authority becomes morally and legally unsustainable.

At the centre of the storm is Rizine Mzikamanda, who CDEDI accuses of failing to act on concerns reportedly raised by the Malawi Law Society (MLS) and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) regarding alleged misconduct within the Judiciary.

CDEDI argues that in action in the face of such serious complaints has fueled suspicion and weakened confidence in the country’s judicial leadership. If urgent steps are not taken, the grouping warns, the Judiciary risks losing the moral and legal authority it commands.

Namiwa goes further to allege that powerful cartels may have “hijacked” what was once considered an independent and functional judicial system, a claim likely to intensify debate over the integrity of Malawi’s courts.

Citing Section 12 of the Republican Constitution which states that public officers exercise delegated authority derived from the people CDEDI says it is invoking “people power” to mobilise citizens to push for the resignation of the Chief Justice and other senior judicial officers.

The organisation maintains that stepping aside would be the “noble” course of action for Justice Mzikamanda and his senior colleagues, arguing that new leadership is necessary to sanitise the Judiciary and restore public trust.

As part of what it calls the “anti climax” of the alleged collapse of the rule of law, CDEDI has also faulted the Supreme Court of Appeal over a payout demanded in favour of the defunct Finance Bank, saying such a move would burden taxpayers and strain the already fragile public purse.

The grouping further alleges that correspondence between the FIA and Justice Mzikamanda points to an abdication of constitutional responsibility, which it claims undermined efforts to combat financial crimes and indirectly contributed to the loss of public resources meant for essential services such as medical supplies.

CDEDI also criticises the Attorney General, Frank Mbeta, accusing him of failing to address allegations questioning his fitness to hold office. The organisation argues that stepping down would help preserve the integrity of the Attorney General’s office.

Namiwa has given both Justice Mzikamanda and AG Mbeta seven days to “respectfully and responsibly” vacate their positions or risk being forced out through public mobilisation.

The group has also called on Members of Parliament to amend the law to require judges to retire at 60, aligning them with other public servants, saying current events offer no moral justification for special treatment.

Both Mzikamanda and Mbeta are yet to react to CDEDI resignation calls.

Human Rights

HRCC Calls for Constitutional Restraint amid public pressure on AG Mbeta’s resignation calls

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has urged Malawians to uphold constitutional principles and due process in the wake of growing public calls for the resignation of the country’s Attorney General.

Addressing the news conference on Friday, HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba observes that said the demands on Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta’s resignation is not adding up.

Despite acknowledging accountability as cornerstone of any democratic society, the committee, emphasized the need to be pursued within the confines of the Constitution and established legal procedures.

According to the HRCC, the matter under public debate relates to events allegedly connected to the Attorney General’s prior private legal practice, as well as a court order reportedly restraining investigative action. The Committee noted that, as it stands, there is no criminal charge, indictment or conviction against the Attorney General.

Citing Section 42(2)(f)(iii) of the Constitution, HRCC stressed that every person accused of a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It warned that suspicion cannot replace proof, and allegations cannot substitute judicial determination.

The Committee further underscored that seeking protection from the courts is a constitutional right available to every Malawian, including public officials. It argued that invoking judicial remedies cannot be interpreted as misconduct.

HRCC pointed out that if a court granted an order restraining investigative action, responsibility for that decision lies with the court itself an independent constitutional body mandated to assess evidence and apply the law. It cautioned against attributing wrongdoing to an individual merely because judicial relief was granted.

Where concerns exist about the propriety of a court order, the Committee said, the law provides mechanisms such as appeal, review or applications to set aside or vary the order.

Resorting to public pressure, it warned, risks undermining the very legal system designed to resolve such disputes.

The HRCC also highlighted the constitutional role of the Attorney General under Section 98, describing the office as the principal legal adviser to government. It clarified that the Attorney General does not investigate, prosecute or adjudicate criminal matters responsibilities that fall under other institutions.

Removal from office, the Committee noted, is only permissible on specific legal grounds such as incompetence, incapacity or compromised impartiality. Allegations alone, without established facts or legal findings, do not constitute lawful grounds for removal.

While making it clear that it does not defend impunity, HRCC maintained that credible evidence of wrongdoing must be handled through lawful investigation and, where appropriate, prosecution.

Accountability, it said, must remain evidence based and consistent with constitutional safeguards.
Quoting Sections 19 and 20 of the Constitution, the Committee reaffirmed that dignity and equality before the law apply to all persons, regardless of public office. It warned against “trial by media” and resignation driven by rumor rather than lawful process.

HRCC called for restraint, responsible public discourse, and unwavering respect for due process, arguing that Malawi’s democracy is safeguarded not by outrage, but by adherence to the rule of law.

corruption, Malawi

“Malawi can’t fight corruption with Frank Mbeta as Attorney General”-Kamangila

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Renowned human rights lawyer Alexious Kamangila has warned that Malawi’s fight against corruption cannot succeed while Attorney General Frank Mbeta remains in office.

Kamangila went live on Facebook on Friday, urging citizens and leadership to take action to protect the country’s integrity.

He alleged that Mbeta has long-standing professional ties with Lovemore Chikopa SC, Wapona Kita, Ken Manda, and Edgar Kachere, who he claims have been involved in corrupt practices for years.

“You cannot fix Malawi when the Attorney General is Frank Mbeta,” Kamangila said, pointing to past injunctions obtained by Mbeta at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) that blocked investigations into his own activities.

Kamangila also criticized Mbeta’s influence over key cases, including alleged demands for money during the 2019 presidential election dispute, suggesting that his presence enables corruption rather than deters it.

He emphasized that his concerns are not personal but reflect the urgent need for accountability and protection of public resources.

Directly addressing President Peter Mutharika, Kamangila warned that meaningful anti-corruption reforms cannot take place with Mbeta in such a key role. “I want to challenge President Mutharika that you can not change Malawi with Frank Mbeta as Attorney General, never.”

He encouraged citizens to remain vigilant, stressing that even influential figures like Chikopa SC are not more powerful than the collective will of the people.

He concluded with a call to action, urging Malawians to safeguard their nation. “God is good all the time, and this is the moment for us to rescue ourselves,” Kamangila said, emphasizing that civic engagement is essential to fight corruption at all levels.

Law and order, Politics

Attorney General Mbeta to challenge High Court order on MCP’s Chimwendo Banda attempted murder case

Jones Gadama

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta is contesting a High Court decision allowing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda to pursue a judicial review of his detention.

Mbeta argues that Chimwendo Banda had alternative remedies, such as invoking habeas corpus, which he failed to exhaust.

The High Court had ordered Chimwendo Banda’s immediate release from prison, citing unlawful detention beyond the legally prescribed remand period.

However, Mbeta’s preliminary application seeks to discharge the leave granted for the judicial review proceedings and set aside the interim reliefs obtained by Chimwendo Banda.

Chimwendo Banda’s lawyer, Khwima Mchizi, says he hasn’t seen the application filed by the respondents, the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions. An inter partes hearing is scheduled for January 23, 2026.

Chimwendo Banda was arrested in December 2025 on attempted murder charges dating back to 2021.

His release was ordered after his lawyer argued that the State had exceeded the 30-day detention period allowed under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code.

The case has sparked controversy, with the MCP accusing the government of political persecution,a claim dismissed by many.

The outcome of the judicial review proceedings will determine whether Chimwendo Banda’s detention is lawful.