ACB to investigate Nocma, Escom, Mera K5bn scam after HRDC whistleblowing initiative

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) says it has busted a scam costing tax-payers about K5 billion involving three parastatals: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera), Electricity Supply Commission of Malalwi (Escom) and National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma).

ACB czar Reyneck Matemba: We will investigate

HRDC, through its Whistleblower Initiative, has since reported the matter to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and wants a quick investigation into it.

In the letter dated July 28 2020 signed by chairperson Gift Trapence, HRDC says ESCOM is using generators owned by AGGREKO to back up power supply and ESCOM entered into an agreement with NOCMA for the supply of fuel.

“The agreement was approved by MERA. NOCMA was supposed to be charging landed cost plus mark up. This agreement was signed in December 2017 and expired in December 2018,” reads the letter.

However, despite expiry of agreement in 2018, HRDC alleged that NOCMA continues to supply fuel to ESCOM without a new agreement.

“Meanwhile, NOCMA entered into a more expensive contract with SAHARA Inc of Egypt for the supply of fuel. This resulted in NOCMA making losses. To cover for the loss that NOCMA made, NOCMA decided to forge the approved agreement signed between ESCOM and NOCMA to factor in the loss and thus billed ESCOM MK5 billion,” reveals the letter.

HRDC further underlines that their investigations showed that ESCOM was supposed to arrange transportation of the fuel from NOCMA to generation sites but NOCMA changed the arrangement and started delivering fuel.

“Our investigations show that most of this fuel was never delivered and only paper work was completed in order for ESCOM to effect payment,” reads the letter.

ACB director genera Reyneck Matemba said they will probe institutions reportedly engaged un malpractices, saying information from HRDC is relevant and will simplify their work.

Matemba commended HRDC for their Whistleblower Initiative, saying “the information they are providing to the ACB through their platform us very relevant and useful for our work.”

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mtete
mtete
4 years ago

ACB have an uphill task because, apart from the institutions mentioned here, literally every parastatal was robbed in degrees according to their worth. DPP/APM administration was too ruthless and it cared little about the wellbeing of the people.
ACB needs help and Tonse Alliance government must come to the rescue using whatever legal means.

No chillz
No chillz
4 years ago

These case must move from investigations or arrest to prosecution quickly. The longer it takes the more Malawians lose, am also if the opinion Mr Matemba ntchito yawakukira or else somewhere somehow he’s still operating from DPP many times I’ve felt the new govt should have recruited a new ACB General I don’t agree with Matemba, I feel he’d got a lot to hide / has hands tied himself coz he was being used by DPP, its just a maybe. At least by now one or two case should have been completed and the wrong doers having fun at Maula.… Read more »

Tiyende Pamodzi Ndi Ndtima Modzi
Tiyende Pamodzi Ndi Ndtima Modzi
4 years ago

Tonse government there better be recovery of loot resulting from these investigations because corruption involves takers and givers and we have to have enforcers of law who ensure return of stolen loot.

Ziliko
Ziliko
4 years ago

Please while you are investigating these other parastetals don’t forget the 145m.

Ngombwax
Ngombwax
4 years ago

Interesting! Just a few months ago under the DPP regime, the same Matemba would have dismissed the info from HRDC as mere hearsay. “We act on evidence, not mere hearsay” he would have said. Remember what he said about the K145m sitting in an account controlled by APM? I rest my case.

kanchenga
kanchenga
4 years ago
Reply to  Ngombwax

you right indeed but you miss one point The President has directed the these institutions operate free from political interference so Matemba doesn’t have to check with politicians before he starts his work. This is what Malawians voted for and Matemba is aware of that. Fact is most educated Malawians are always afraid for their jobs. It took the fearless locals from Nsundwe to face the DPP police and turn it into Malawi Police again.

Sisulu
Sisulu
4 years ago

It’s about time you start serious prosecution we are tired of endless investigations. Bwana matemba Learn to close the files please.

Bobcat@outlook.com
4 years ago
Reply to  Sisulu

Ndipo inu… get working including the old files

myfriend
myfriend
4 years ago

That is the way to go and again the Aggreko guys who are in the country are sleeping in very expensive hotels in Namiwawa and I am told each one is paid MK1m per day billed on Escom.
Audit trails is easy for the fuel because generator consumption per hour is known. Just take how many hours the generators run and multipy by consumption per hour.
Indeed theft of fuel is happening big time and is sold to private filling stations.

Putin
Putin
4 years ago
Reply to  myfriend

I like your reply but am shocked that anyone can be paid a million daily in addition to a full board. Really?

KKKK
KKKK
4 years ago
Reply to  Putin

Tamakhalani serious. Which Hotel in Malawi can charge 1mita pa munthu pa tsiku. ACB yayamba kujaza ya ma hearsay kenako adziti ndalama tilibe.

Johns
Johns
4 years ago
Reply to  KKKK

Is this country run by HRDC? Asatibowe ndithu. This is a noise making organization. Kodi amatemba alibe workplan? Does he need whistle blowers??

The Sniper.
The Sniper.
4 years ago
Reply to  Johns

John’s, you just missed the meaning of whistle blower I guess, otherwise your argument seems to be idiotic from deadwood Cadet.

The Sniper.
The Sniper.
4 years ago
Reply to  KKKK

When corruption rules, this is possible my friend, the issue is not where the money is going but where is it coming from and is it for Hotel or the hotel is just a way or Chanel to someone! You see that? Or in other words, the Hotel can over charge in order to steal money.

Giringo
Giringo
4 years ago
Reply to  KKKK

Akulu don’t just dismiss the 1million. If people have bought cups for tea wa ma prisoners @ 81pin each can you really be surprised with this? Dpp theft was beyond human imagination

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