LILONGWE-(MaraviPpst)-The country’s graft-bursting agency, Anti-Corruption Burea (ACB) has been caught tampering with former National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) deputy chief executive officer Helen Buluma’s phone.
This was revealed on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, when one of the defence lawyers, in a case in which former Minister of Energy Newton Kambala and others are accused of attempting to influence awarding of fuel contracts demonstrated in court that Buluma’s phone was tampered with while in the hands of ACB.
The other accused persons including former presidential advisor Chris Chaima Banda and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enoch Chihana.
The defence lawyer, Wapona Kita, while cross-examining Buluma in court produced photos of Buluma’s iPhone 11 that he took when defence team inspected the phone on February 15, 2022.
The photos show that the contents of the phone then, particularly the recordings, are different from what is in the phone now.
The photos show that by then the phone had 53 recordings while the phone now has only three recordings.
The photos also show that recently deleted recordings were two by then but on the handset now there is nothing on deleted items.
The photos also show that there was no folder named Case NOCMA at the time of inspection, but now there is that folder on the phone.
This is how the cross-examining was captured in court today:
Kita inquired from Buluma, “How many recordings are in your gadget?”
Buluma replied, “3.”
Kita then asked, “How many recordings are showing in the picture that I took during our phone inspection?”
Buluma responded, “53.”
Continuing the inquiry, Kita asked, “How many files are in the deleted folder?”
Buluma stated, “0.”
Kita inquired, “How many are in the picture I have shown you?”
Buluma replied, “2.”
Kita informed the court that Buluma’s phone appeared to have been tampered with.
“We are wasting each other’s time. What is clear is that your phone has been tampered with,” said Kita.
In her response, Buluma could not say anything about the tampering of the phone but only said that the phone was surrendered to the Bureau in September 2021.
Kita also produced a photo of a sim card that the phone had in February 2022. The sim card looked different from the sim card that is on the phone now.
Buluma then conceded that the contents were indeed different.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a stunning revelation, former National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) deputy chief executive officer, Helen Buluma, testified in the Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe on Tuesday that she had recorded conversations with key figures involved in the controversial oil contracts deal.
The tapes were her only defense against the immense pressure she faced and her only hope of exposing the truth behind the alleged corruption scandal.
The accused parties include former presidential aide Chris Chaima Banda, former Minister of Energy Newton Kambala, and Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enoch Chihana.
Buluma exposed Zamba in fuel contracts corruption tendencies
The trio stands accused of influencing NOCMA in the awarding of fuel supply contracts.
Their arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in August 2021 sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing the deep-rooted corruption that has plagued Malawi for far too long.
The oil contracts scandal has shed light on the dubious dealings that often occur behind closed doors, involving powerful individuals who wield their influence to secure lucrative deals.
The case has brought to the forefront the need for transparency in the procurement process and the urgent necessity to root out corruption at all levels of government.
Helen Buluma’s decision to record her conversations with Chris Chaima Banda and Newton Kambala highlights the immense pressure she faced in her role at NOCMA.
As the deputy chief executive officer, she found herself at the center of a web of powerful individuals seeking to manipulate the contract awarding process.
Buluma, determined to expose the truth and protect herself, took matters into her own hands by making secret recordings.
Little did she know at the time that these tapes would provide crucial evidence in what would become one of the most significant corruption cases in Malawi’s recent history.
During her cross-examination in court, Buluma revealed that she had anticipated the need for a backup of the events that were unfolding.
She had a clear understanding that the dealings surrounding the fuel contracts were fraught with corruption and that she needed concrete evidence to support her claims.
In a damning statement, Buluma stated that she had explicitly instructed the suspects on what needed to be done in the procurement process.
However, she found herself at odds with powerful individuals who seemed determined to have their way at any cost.
The significance of Buluma’s decision to record these conversations cannot be overstated.
It speaks to the pervasive culture of corruption that has plagued Malawi for decades.
Time and time again, individuals in positions of power have been able to exploit the system for personal gain, leaving the ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences.
It is a testament to Buluma’s bravery and determination that she took matters into her own hands, risking her career and personal safety to shine a light on the dark underbelly of Malawi’s political landscape.
The oil contracts scandal, with its high-profile defendants, has garnered significant attention within the country.
The involvement of Chris Chaima Banda, a former presidential aide, and Newton Kambala, a former Minister of Energy, underscores the far-reaching consequences of corruption in Malawi.
These individuals, who were entrusted with positions of power and responsibility, allegedly abused their authority to enrich themselves at the expense of the Malawian people.
The Office of the President, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its failure to ensure transparency and accountability within its ranks.
Enoch Chihana, president of the Alliance for Democracy (Aford), finds himself ensnared in the scandal, further tarnishing the image of a party that once held significant influence in Malawi’s political landscape.
With its founding principles based on accountability and democracy, Aford’s alleged involvement in corrupt practices undermines the very values it claims to uphold.
Chihana’s arrest serves as a reminder that political parties must be held accountable for the actions of their members and that no one is above the law.
As the trial proceeds, justice must prevail.
The Malawian people have suffered the consequences of corruption for far too long, with the diversion of funds meant for critical development projects and essential services.
The outcome of this case has the potential to set a precedent and establish a new era of transparency and accountability in Malawi.
In the wake of the scandal, there is an urgent need for systemic reforms to address the root causes of corruption.
The procurement process, in particular, requires enhanced oversight and strict adherence to transparent guidelines.
Additionally, whistle-blower protection should be strengthened to encourage individuals like Helen Buluma to come forward and expose corruption without fear of retribution.
Malawi stands at a crossroads, with the outcome of this trial poised to shape the future of the nation.
The fight against corruption must be relentless, with no one spared from scrutiny.
It is the responsibility of every citizen to demand accountability from their leaders and to ensure that the voices of those affected by corruption are heard.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Forum for National Development (FND) has raised an alarm that the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) corruption case involving Newton Kambala, Enock Chihana and Chris Chaima Banda is being unnecessarily delayed thereby heightening concerns about attempts to shield President Lazarus Chakwera who is implicated in the case.
FND has raised the concern after the court case was adjourned again when it was scheduled to be heard non-stop from the January 17, 2023 where the principal witness former NOCMA boss Helen Buluma was expected to present her damning evidence and to be cross-examined.
Chakwera afraid of Buluma
“We have noted that this case started dragging from the day the name of President Lazarus Chakwera was mentioned in the courts as being instrumental in the alleged corrupt deals. It seems there is an overdrive effort not to have this case concluded,”
FND says the delays are worrisome and are beginning to put a dent into the delivery of justice in Malawi with the aim to protect Chakwera.
“It seems that the justice system chooses and picks which cases to dispose of quickly while other cases continue to drag, prompting many observers, including us, to smell a rat, rotten rat for that matter, reads the statement.
In the last court session, the court ordered that the principal witness, Buluma, be subpoenaed to present evidence without fail effective 17 January, 2023.
“Now to hear that the matter has also been adjourned to unspecified dates it’s worrisome. We are cognizant of the fact that the adjournment might be a routine process and genuine, but the way this case has staggered and followed by corruption allegations spilled by Buluma when she appeared before the Public Accounts Committee, we are suspicious by the recent adjournment,” says the statement.
FND is also accusing the executive branch of government of colluding with the courts to cover up the corruption and sweep under the carpet the damning allegations raised by Buluma during PAC hearing.
It further says the conduct of the Attorney General (AG) Thabo Nyirenda who attempted to undermine Parliament, and members of the Executive including the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) who are in contempt of Parliament.
“The two events which are interlinked has the President mentioned in the courts and interviewed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) being silent and not wanting to intervene on any members Forum for National Development of his government mentioned. So the said adjournment and further delay by the Judiciary in this matter hitherto the behavior of the Executive and Members of Parliament of Malawi,” the statement said.
FND has demanded that new dates be set for the case within the seven working dates so that there is proper and tangible direction and closure to this case.
“Accused persons have the right to clear their names and courts exist to expedite such processes and not to help in delaying justice. We demand expeditious action and progress in the next seven days failing which we will take a confrontational approach as further delays would be seen as an attempt to shield President Lazarus Chakwera,” the statement emphasizes.
Kambala, Chihana and Chaima Banda were arrested in 2021 over corruption allegations in importation of fuel at NOCMA.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has been lauded for sacking Energy Minister Newton Kambala and chief adviser on strategy and manifesto implementation Chris Chaima Banda in connection with his alleged embroilment in fuel supply contracts at National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma).
According to a press statement issued on August 11, 2021 and signed by the Secretary to President and Cabinet, Zanga-Zanga Chikhosi, the removal of Kambala from the ministerial position is with immediate effect.
While State House Director of Communication Sean Kampondeni confirmed also firing of Chaima Banda with immediate effect.
Social media commentator on his facebook wall wrote: “President has done well to fire the arrested cabinet minister, Newton Kambala, and his (the President’s) advisor, Chris Chaima Banda.
In fact, I was hoping the two would quickly tender resignations before being actually relieved of their positions.
The only person who resigned in similar circumstances, I remember well, was Neno South MP (as he was then) Joe Manduwa (the first MP to advocate for the growing of canabis for commercial purposes, for which he was widely ridiculed).
In August 2000, Joe Manduwa resigned as deputy minister of agriculture after being charged with shooting dead 21-year-old Kachepa Filiasi, following an argument at Manduwa’s business premises in Mwanza (the shooting took place in 1998, but the deputy minister was charged in 2000).
Joe Manduwa wrote in his resignation letter, “I cannot appear in court while wearing my ministerial jacket.”
Such men of principles are in short supply these days. They wait to be fired.
Post Script: I am also being reminded that Goodall Gondwe resigned as Economic Planning Minister, after being charged with treason (in the Midnight Six saga) in 2013. Thanks to those who reminded me.
The Malawi Congress Party Diaspora Wing over the weekend raised money through a gala dinner event to help the party allocate election monitors in all the polling stations at the forthcoming general elections. The event was held in the city of Birmingham in United Kingdom. Malawi goes to the polls on 21st of May to elect the president, members of parliament and councillors. However, the highlight of the event was an endorsement coming from a group of Malawian Pastors living in diaspora who made a statement endorsing Lazarus Chakwera as the candidate of choice to be Malawi’s next president.
According to the spokesman of MCP Diaspora Wing Chalo Mvula , the Birmingham event was to cement the seriousness of the diaspora community in making sure that the elections are free and fair . Malawi Congress Party launched the Tambala Fund, an initiative that encouraged its members to contribute to the party and sponsor for a monitor. The Diaspora event was a response to that call and so far the diaspora community has contributed over £3500. “It’s a collective effort and other diaspora members from USA, Republic of Ireland responded to our call and contributed something” said Mvula.
The event was spiced up by various activities that included a music performance by Nick Thindwa whose sang his hit song “Chakwera wa M’boma” . Thindwa mesmerized the audience with his unique dancing skills .There was also a comedy treat from Scotland based Malawian comedian Khwethemu. Patrons were also treated to an auction sale where various items were sold to the members of the audience and dinner dance provided by Powerglobal DJ, Gnice.
On the political front MCP veteran member Chris Chaima Banda received a standing ovation after delivering a moving speech on the philosophy of Dr Lazarus Chakwera and his presidency. “Chakwera is not only just God fearing, but in him Malawians will be voting for a candidate who will fulfil each and every promise that is in the party manifesto. Malawians are blessed to have a candidate like Chakwera” Claimed Banda amid the handclapping and the ululation from the audience.
MCP president Lazarus Chakwera, while not physically in attendance sent a message which was read to the audience. Chakwera said he was humbled to see the diaspora community coming together to support the party. He said he was assuring those in diaspora that Malawi will soon give birth to “A New Malawi enjoyed by Everyone” . Chakwera went on to acknowledge that the support of the diaspora and the many efforts of others can guarantee that the elections will not be rigged. He went further to warn that any efforts to tamper with the elections will not only be thwarted, but will also be investigated immediately after he is sworn in as the president.
And then there was the moment when Derby based Man of God , Pastor Chance Munthali stood up to read a list of pastors living in diaspora who have endorsed the candidacy of Lazarus Chakwera to be the next president of Malawi. Pastor Chance Munthali said the pastors had settled for this choice after much though and prayer “ God has heard the cry of Malawians and He has Chosen Chakwera to rescue Malawi from poverty, rampant corruption and to excute the rule of law in the country” . He went on to pray for the peaceful elections and for God to give Chakwera more wisdom.
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