Chaponda denies being rushed to hospital, says not stressed but in robust health: ACB rules out investigating office fire

Embattled Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water development George Chaponda has  denied speculation rife on social media that he had been whisked to Kamuzu Central Hospital after collapsing following the on going pressure that he is facing over the maizegate scandal.

Chaponda phoned Nyasa Times reporter based in Lilongwe to refute what had gone viral on social media that he was taken to hospital when he collapsed with a coalition of stress as the main cause.

“There are reports on social media which are alleging that I have been admitted at Kamuzu Central Hospital. You may wish to know that I am in a very good health and am now busy preparing for my work of the day so tell them am in robust health,” said Chaponda.

Chaponda cited a report that said Zodiak radio  reporters were at the hospital “to get more information” after Chaponda was taken there for emergency treatment.

No ACB fire probe

Meanwhile, graft busters, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has ruled out carrying special investigation to determine if the fire that gutted Chaponda’s office was arson attack to conceal evidence.

ACB director Lucas Kondowe said its investigations on Chaponda in connection with the infamous maizegate has not yet reached a level to determine there was some evidence in his office.

“Our investigations have not yet reached that evel. When we reach that level, we will know what to do,” he said.

However, some civil society groups have described the fire, that gutted down the office on Tuesday as suspicious.

Benedicto Kondowe, who is leading a consortium of the CSOs, said the fire raises a lot of questions than answers.

“The matter should be investigated to the latter,” he said.

The fire has raised eye brows, with some sections of society alleging it was an arson attack to conceal evidence in the maize saga.

However, Information minister Nicholas Dausi asked Malawians to be patient, saying they should let investigators do their job.

Secretary to Chaponda, Emmie Mawingo said the fire started from a socket which plugs a television screen in the minister’s office before it spread to other offices in the second floor of the Agriculture ministry headquarters at Capital Hill.