ACB arrests CID cop for Corruption
By Nyasa Times Reporter
Malawi’s graft busting body, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday, made a lunch hour arrest of Mzuzu based Station CID Officer Brian Ngoto on allegations that he unlawfully solicited MK65, 000 from an Asian businessman to facilitate his application for a business permit.
Ngoto is answering three counts, two bordering on Corrupt practices by a Public Officer contrary to section 24 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act and one of Neglecting official duties contrary to section 121 of the Penal Code, according to a charge sheet from the ACB seen by Nyasa Times.
Count one: Ngoto being a Public Officer of the Malawi Police service as Detective Sub Inspector in or about the month of June 2008 at National Police Headquarters solicited… money amounting to MK50,000 from Muhammed Afzal as an inducement… not to properly scrutinise a bank statement attached to Afzal’s application for a Business permit.
Count two: Ngoto received a further MK15,000 from Muhammed Afzal as a reward for not properly scrutinising a bank statement attached to Afzal’s application for a Business permit.
Count three: Ngoto being a person employed in the Public Service as a Police Officer, neglected to perform his duty of scrutinizing a bank statement for Sanan Investment which Muhammed Afzal owns.
Ngoto appeared in court at around 2pm on the same day and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
ACP Public Prosecutor Bernard Mloza Phiri asked the court to transfer the case to Lilongwe saying that is where the alleged offence occurred.
First Grade Magistrate Cuthbert Phiri has since transferred the case to Lilongwe and hearing will commence later.
