Tag Archives: Human Right Consultative Committee (HRCC)

Human Rights, Law and order

PAC chair Malondera slams Acting ACB chief, Kamangira’s interferences in response to HRCC demand

MaraviPost Leave a comment

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) chairperson Steven Malondera has lodged complaints against Acting Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Gabriel Chembezi and Alexious Kamangila for interfering the committee’s probe in the ongoing Amaryllis Hotel purchase saga.

PAC chairperson Malondera is responding to Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) letter which the the grouping wrote to PAC demanding immediate formal reporting and legal action over allegations of improper influence linked to a parliamentary inquiry.

In a letter dated April 20, 2026, signed by HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba, the organization says it is treating the matter with “utmost urgency and seriousness” following public claims involving lawyer Alexious Kamangira and the alleged purchase of Amaryllis Hotel.

HRCC notes that Kamangira has publicly accused Malondera of receiving money to influence the outcome of a parliamentary investigation, claims which the PAC chairperson has disputed.

According to HRCC, Malondera had in turn alleged that Kamangira has been persistently contacting him in an attempt to influence decisions aimed at protecting the Acting Director General of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The rights body says the allegations and counter allegations raise serious concerns including possible corruption, abuse of public office and interference in parliamentary processes.

HRCC has further warned that the developments risk eroding public trust in Parliament and other oversight institutions if not handled transparently and lawfully.

Citing provisions under the Corrupt Practices Act and the Penal Code, HRCC says both influencing and attempting to influence a public officer constitute criminal offences under Malawian law.

The organization has also pointed to the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act, warning that any interference in parliamentary proceedings could amount to contempt of Parliament and attract sanctions.

HRCC says by placing the matter in the public domain, Malondera has triggered expectations for formal reporting and decisive institutional action.

The committee has since called on Malondera to lodge a formal complaint against Kamangira with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Malawi Police Service and the Office of the Speaker of Parliament.

It has also urged the PAC chairperson to submit all supporting evidence including communication records, witnesses and any documentation that can substantiate his claims.

HRCC has warned that failure to act may force the body to petition law enforcement agencies to independently investigate the matter and refer it to Parliament as a possible breach of constitutional and statutory duties.

The organization has further indicated it may publicly push for Malondera’s accountability including possible removal from his position, if the matter is not addressed.

HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba has since stressed that the issue goes beyond personal disputes, describing it as one that strikes at the heart of parliamentary integrity and the fight against corruption.

The body has given Malondera seven days to act, emphasizing that allegations of such magnitude must move from public rhetoric to formal legal processes.

But in a leaked document dated April 22, 2025 which Malondera has confirmed its authentic, PAC chairperson has raised a series of allegations of undue influence, abuse of office, and corrupt conduct against Chembezi.

The allegations are contained in a letter which Malondera has written Chembezi and coped to several high offices including the President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Malawi Law Society.

Here are ten key points from the letter:

1. Solicitation of Favorable Outcome: Chembezi allegedly requested that Kamsiyamo “clear” him in the PAC inquiry into the Amaryllis transaction in order to secure his substantive appointment as ACB Director General.

2. Request for Protection During Inquiry: On 12 March 2026, just before appearing before the PAC inquiry, Chembezi allegedly called Kamsiyamo seeking assurances that he would be “protected” during his testimony.

3. Unsolicited Private Engagements: The complaint alleges Chembezi initiated multiple private and informal meetings, including at a private residence (Africa House) and inside Kamsiyamo’s vehicle, to discuss matters related to the ongoing inquiry.

4. Alleged Quid Pro Quo Involving ACB Dockets: Chembezi is accused of suggesting he could assist Hon. Eisenhower Mkaka in an ACB matter if Kamsiyamo supported efforts to “clear” him in the PAC inquiry.

5. Attempted Use of Official Resources: Chembezi allegedly offered to fuel Kamsiyamo’s private vehicle using an official ACB fuel card, an offer that was declined.

6. Use of Investigative Files as Leverage: The complaint states that Chembezi presented a docket involving Hon. Bester Awali on maize distribution, which Kamsiyamo interpreted as an attempt to exert pressure using active investigations.

7. Alleged Threat of Selective Prosecution: Chembezi reportedly presented allegations of financial misconduct involving K1.1 billion linked to Kamsiyamo’s past role as Deputy Minister, which the complainant views as retaliatory pressure after refusing to influence the inquiry.

8. Offer to Influence Other High-Profile Cases: Chembezi allegedly suggested he could “clear” the Leader of Opposition in relation to the Greenbelt Initiative as a “token of appreciation” if Kamsiyamo assisted in clearing him.

9. Conflict of Interest Concerns: The complaint further raises concerns over Chembezi’s conduct in relation to a sale agreement involving the Public Service Pension Trust Fund while serving as Acting Director General of the ACB.

10. Use of Third-Party Emissary: Kamsiyamo alleges that Chembezi engaged Mr. Alexius Kamangila as an intermediary, who allegedly threatened to publicly delegitimize Kamsiyamo and the PAC if he did not clear Chembezi.

Chembezi is yet to respond on the complaints raised against him.


Human Rights

HRCC seeks MHRC guidance on balancing free speech, protection from defamation

Shaffie A Mtambo Leave a comment

…..Alexious Kamangila’s slanderous remarks on social media underspotlight….

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has formally written to the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) seeking guidance on how Malawi can strike a balance between the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the need to protect individuals and institutions from defamation and reputational harm.

In a letter seen by Maravi Post and signed by HRCC Chairperson Robert James Mkwezalamba and Board Member Desmond Mhango, the Committee emphasizes that while it strongly supports freedom of expression as provided under Section 35 of the Constitution, the right must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries that respect the dignity and reputation of others.

HRCC notes with concern a growing trend in Malawi where serious allegations are increasingly being circulated on social media platforms without verified evidence or proper reporting through established legal channels.

According to the Committee, such practices risk undermining public trust in key institutions.

The Committee specifically highlights statements allegedly made by Alexious Kamangira, who has been publicly accusing members of the Judiciary of widespread corruption including senior figures such as the Chief Justice and judges of higher courts.

HRCC says while corruption allegations are serious and deserve investigation, raising them publicly without formal complaints to bodies like the Anti Corruption Bureau raises serious legal and ethical concerns.

HRCC further warns that publishing unverified claims may amount to defamation under Malawian law, exposing individuals to both civil liability and possible criminal sanctions under the Penal Code.

The Committee stresses that such conduct may infringe on fundamental rights including the right to dignity and fair treatment.

The Committee also expresses concern over the misuse of digital platforms, particularly when individuals making allegations may fall outside Malawi’s effective legal jurisdiction, thereby complicating accountability.

In light of these developments, HRCC is calling on the Malawi Human Rights Commission to take a leading role in addressing the issue.

Among the key requests, the Committee is urging the Commission to issue a public advisory that clearly defines the boundaries between freedom of expression and defamation.

Additionally, HRCC is proposing the development of national guidelines on responsible digital expression, which would encourage citizens to verify information before publication and to use lawful mechanisms when raising allegations.

The Committee has also called for broader engagement with stakeholders including civil society organizations, media practitioners and digital content creators, to promote responsible and rights based public discourse.

HRCC believes that such interventions will help foster a culture where freedom of expression is exercised responsibly, without infringing on the rights of others or damaging the integrity of public institutions.

The Committee has since indicated that it is awaiting a formal response from the Commission, expressing hope that clear guidance will soon be provided to address the growing concerns in the digital public space.

Meanwhile, MHRC has recognised the receipient of HRCC letter.

The commission has told the Maravi Post that is the process of reviewing letter before giving the response.

This comes Kamangila as has been making slunder statements on his Facebook wall while attacking everyone who seem to be against his attitudes in the name of fighting corruption.

Human Rights

HRCC dares whistleblowers Kamangila, Kenani, Ntanyiwa on “digital trial culture” danger

MaraviPost Leave a comment

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing culture of unverified accusations on social media, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Malawi’s justice system and democratic stability.

Particularly targeting Alexious Kamangila, Onjezani Kenani, Ntanyiwa, JB and others that they must provide enough evidence on any allegations leveling individuals on corruption.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Thursday, Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba and Board Member Desmond Mhango,called for responsibility and adherence to the rule of law in the digital space.

HRCC says it is deeply concerned with the rise in allegations targeting the Judiciary, public officials, business leaders and private citizens without evidence or engagement with lawful investigative institutions.

The Committee specifically cited individuals such as Alexious Kamangira and Onjezani Kenani, accusing them of making sweeping corruption claims on social media without presenting proof or reporting to authorities like the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA).

According to HRCC, such actions risk creating a “trial by public opinion,” where accusations are treated as facts, undermining due process and weakening confidence in formal justice systems.

Mkwezalamba and Mhango emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, it is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, with respect for truth, evidence and the rights of others.

They warned that persistent attacks on the Judiciary, especially those lacking factual backing, could erode judicial independence, a key pillar of Malawi’s democracy protected under Section 103.

HRCC also highlighted concerns over the unauthorized recording and live streaming of court proceedings, describing the practice as a violation of legal procedures that may amount to contempt of court.

The Committee further noted that some individuals are making allegations from outside Malawi in an apparent attempt to avoid accountability, but stressed that jurisdiction is determined by where the harm occurs.

From a legal standpoint, HRCC warned that unverified allegations could attract serious consequences, including defamation lawsuits, contempt of court charges and possible cybercrime offences.

The organization has since engaged key institutions such as the Judiciary, the Malawi Human Rights Commission and law enforcement agencies, urging them to act decisively to protect institutional integrity.

HRCC also called on Malawians to exercise critical thinking and avoid spreading unverified information, stressing the importance of using formal channels when raising serious allegations.

Mkwezalamba and Mhango reaffirmed the principle of presumption of innocence, warning that if left unchecked, the spread of unverified claims could erode trust in institutions and undermine the rule of law in Malawi.

Business, Human Rights

HRCC demands accountability from former MERA board members over institution failures, incompetence

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has described the recent 41 percent fuel pump price hike as clear evidence of regulatory failure, calling for former board members of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to be held accountable for massive financial losses and mismanagement in the energy sector.

Addressing the news conference on Friday, January 23, 2026, HRCC Board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba and Board Member Desmond Mhango on behalf of the organisation’s leadership and its network of civil society organisations, was released on Friday in Lilongwe.

Mkwezalamba said the sharp increase in fuel prices has exposed deep rooted governance and oversight failures within MERA, which government ministers themselves have publicly acknowledged.

The organisation said these failures have had severe economic and human rights consequences for ordinary Malawians.

According to HRCC, government disclosures indicate that MERA accumulated debts running into trillions of kwacha, while regulatory incompetence contributed to losses of nearly MK1 trillion at the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA).

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) is also reported to have suffered losses estimated at close to K200 billion.

The committee further noted that MERA depleted the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) and the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) levy, while weak pricing, oversight and governance decisions worsened the fuel supply crisis and ultimately triggered the steep pump price adjustment.

HRCC said these revelations are unprecedented and demand urgent accountability, especially because the burden of regulatory failure has been transferred directly to citizens through higher fuel prices and rising costs of living.

The organisation recalled that on 9 October 2025, the Chief Secretary to the Government informed Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of the removal of MERA board members under Section 8(1) of the Energy Regulation Act due to serious governance and regulatory failures.

However, instead of appearing before PAC to answer the allegations, the board members chose to resign.

HRCC described the resignations as deeply troubling, arguing that stepping down does not erase responsibility for decisions taken while in office.

The committee warned that allowing resignation to shield public officials from scrutiny would set a dangerous precedent and weaken accountability across all statutory bodies.

The committee said the fuel price hike goes beyond a technical policy issue and constitutes a human rights and governance matter, noting that fuel prices directly affect the cost of food, transport and essential goods, as well as access to health services, education, water and emergency response.

HRCC has called on the Public Appointments Committee to summon former MERA board members, urged the National Audit Office to conduct a forensic audit of MERA, and appealed to oversight and law enforcement institutions to investigate possible wrongdoing.

HRCC said Malawians should not be punished through fuel price hikes for failures they did not cause, stressing that public office is a public trust and accountability must outlive resignation, removal or political conv

Law and order, Politics

HRCC demands compliance with court orders in Chimwendo Banda case

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has reaffirmed the supremacy of the rule of law and called on state authorities to fully comply with court orders in the matter involving Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda.

Addressing the news conference on Friday, January 16, 2026, HRCC Board Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba observes that the recent judicial developments surrounding the case, including a ruling by the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal delivered on January 9, 2026.

According to HRCC, the Supreme Court of Appeal declined to assume jurisdiction over the matter, citing the absence of a final decision by the High Court on the pending bail application. The apex court directed that the issue be pursued before the High Court, where it properly lay.

Mkwezalamba further recalled that following its public statement issued on January 10, 2026 raising concern over prolonged detention without charge and delays in determining bail the High Court (Criminal Division) announced that a bail ruling would be delivered on January 20, 2026.

However, before the scheduled bail ruling could be made, the High Court (Civil Division), sitting as a judicial review court, issued an order granting Richard Chimwendo Banda unconditional release. The court also directed that there should be no further arrest in respect of offences arising from the same set of facts.

In light of these developments, HRCC emphasized that court orders issued by a court of competent jurisdiction are binding and enforceable unless they are lawfully stayed, varied, or set aside. The committee stressed that disagreement or dissatisfaction with a judicial decision does not suspend its legal effect.

“Perceived error or controversy does not invalidate a court order,” HRCC said, adding that the proper remedy for an aggrieved party lies in pursuing review, variation or appellate procedures as provided by law.

The committee noted that Malawi’s jurisprudence is clear that court orders are immediately operative, and any stay or setting aside is an exceptional intervention that does not negate the binding nature of the original order.

He therefore therefore stressed that all subsisting court orders whether interim or final must be respected and implemented in full, warning that compliance with judicial authority is mandatory and not discretionary.

The committee further warned that it remains vigilant and ready to defend constitutionalism and the rule of law, including through peaceful civic mobilisation, should compliance with lawful court orders be threatened.

“The rule of law must prevail not selectively, not conveniently, but consistently and without exception,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Chimwendo has withdrawn the bail application as is out detention.

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General was arrested on December 12, 2025 for allegedly attempting to kill Frank Chiwanda in 2022 in Dowa.

Agriculture, Malawi

CSOs impressed with NEEF on loan disbursement to local farmers

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights groups have expressed satisfactory over the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF)’s timely loan disbursement to local farmers to purchase fertilizers for 2024/2025 growing season.

The Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) have therefore urged the Malawi government to allocate more resources to NEEF to enable the agency to reach more farmers with loans for farm inputs.

Leading the news conference on Tuesday, February 4, 2024, in the capital Lilongwe, Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba observes that the NEEF farm inputs loans facility is having a great impact on farmers and is crucial to achieving food security.

However, he disclosed that there are a number of farmers who are on the waiting list for the loans hence the need for the government to pump in more resources into the initiative.

While chipping in National Advocacy Platform (NAP) National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma has also called on NEEF to enhance disbursements but also prepare the facility for the 2025/2026 growing season for farmers to access inputs early.

“We are further calling upon NEEF to immediately begin preparing for the 2025 – 2026 farming season so that farmers should be able to access the inputs in good time.

“The Communities should be encouraged to intensify winter cropping and plant drought-resistant crops so as to avert hunger. Need to collaborate with ADMARC to open the markets in good time so that the produce is bought in good time,” appeals Nkhoma.

Forum for National Development (FND) National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi lauds, “We commend the positive partnership between NEEF and CSOs which represents a significant step toward realizing the shared vision of a more inclusive and economically empowered Malawi. Civil Society Organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting this initiative through active monitoring, advocacy, and collaboration.

“Together, we can transform NEEF into a model of transparency and efficiency, providing equitable opportunities for all Malawians to thrive as a food secure and economic reliant nation where other initiatives prove difficult for Malawian farmers”.

Mkwezalamba urges, “We call on all Malawians to support NEEF and the program to ensure that the program is sustained, we fight abuse of the inputs and protect the program for a promising food secure Nation”.

This follows the study tour between 27th December 2024 to 17th January 2025 which NAP, HRCC and Forum for FND among others visited all sites NEEF undertook the official launch of the fertilizer loan distribution program to farmers in the central and southern districts of Malawi.

NEEF is targeting to reach 400 000 farmers with farm inputs loans in the 2024/2025 growing season. Parliament approved allocation of MK150 billion to support farmers with loans.

So far, the agency has disbursed K45 billion and reached to about 50 000 farmers.