Tag Archives: Justice John Chirwa

Malawi

George Chaponda remains suspended: Zambia maizegate scandal

Maravi Post correspondent

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda remains suspended, according to the Mzuzu High Court judge John Chirwa.

Few days ago, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by youthful activist Charles Kajoloweka obtained an injunction restraining Chaponda from discharging ministerial duties paving for  investigations on the Zambia maizegate scandal in which the minister is allegedly to be the ring leader.

However, Attorney General Kalekeni Kaphale challenged the court’s decision, arguing the powers to hire and fire ministers are vested in the state president according to the constitution of Malawi.

But in an inter-party hearing on Tuesday, where Kaphale asked Justice Chirwa to lift the injunction, the judge said he will make his determination on January 31 and that the injunction obtained by CSOs remains in force, meaning Chaponda is still suspended.

George Chaponda: Mzuzu court says his suspension remains in force until 31 January 2017

His judgement will come on the days results of the Commission of Inquiry into the maizegate will be released.

The maizegate scandal is a suspected corruption elecment  where Agricultural Development and Marketing Cooperation (ADMARC) reportedly bought maize at K26 billion from the Zambian company and it is believed that Malawi could have saved about K9.5 billion if it had bought the grain directly from the Zambian government.

Their action by CSOs follows Mutharika’s appointment of a commission of inquiry into the allegations of corruption and malpractices into the Zambian maize procurement saga.

Activist Charles Kajoloweka and the others argue that failure by Mutharika to fire Chaponda will compromise the outcome of the Commission of Inquiry on maizegate as a line Cabinet minister, he may interfere with the investigations.

Justice Chirwa granted the injunction last Thursday, effectively suspending Chaponda from cabinet and allowing a judicial review as the CSOs argue that Mutharika erred in his choice of commission of inquiry.

Chaponda faces contempt of court charges and possible arrest if he does not duly comply with the High Court order.