Former Central Bank Governor and DPP presidential hopeful Dalitso Kabambe arrested

Police in Lilongwe have netted Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and DPP’s leadership contender, who was on the run in connection with K4.3 billion he authorised to be transferred to an FDH Bank account.

Police national spokesperson James Kadadzera has confirmed the cops have arrested the former governor and is being held at Lingadzi Police sub-station in Area 18, Lilongwe.

Said Kadadzera: “It is true we are holding in our custody at Lingadzi police station a former governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi in connection with some matters that we are investigating.”

Other former senior RBM officials were arrested yesterday and are still in police custody.

It is reportedly in hiding following revelations that he authorised the transfer of K4.3 billion to FDH Bank account number 1024883104001 the night before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced results of the court-sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election.

The FDH bank account is held in the name of Chief Elections Officer, which corporate governance experts and commentators faulted.

Police have arrested former Deputy Governor Henry Mathanga, who is currently involved in a legal challenge for constructive dismissal.

Arrested as well are retired Director Rodrick Wiyo of Financial Markets and a Senior Dealer/Manager Leah Donga who is also named in the forensic audit of the bank as having a hand in the abuse of Covid-19 funds.

Kabambe, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopeful is said to have given an excuse to for not reporting to the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe today.

Previously MEC defended its position when this obscure account existence was revealed saying: “The nation should be informed that this amount was duly authorized by the Accountant General.

“These amounts were meant to facilitate payment of printing of ballot papers and other bills for electoral activities, and allowances for security officers, polling staff and other service providers during the polling exercise.”

Nyasa Times understands that more arrests are underway at the Treasury, Malawi Electoral Commission and DPP officials.

Former Minister of Finance Dr Goodall Gondwe is said to be on the list of those to be picked in the next 48 hours.