CSOs call for arrest of Abdul Karim on attempting to defraud Malawi govt
Some civil society organizations (CSOs), under the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) banner, have called on law enforcing agencies to arrest Abdul Karim Batatawala over the controversy surrounding the K53.9 billion Immigration Department uniforms supply deal.
Addressing journalists at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe on Sunday, HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo said they are concerned with government’s inaction on Karim’s two firms Africa Commercial Agency and Reliance Trading Company which were profeterring by charging Immigration Department a single uniform shirt for at about K60 000 and in some cases a belt quoted at K100 000, sticks K142 500, ladies trousers for Immigration officers at K127 500 and woolen socks K19 750.
Mtambo said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government is “stinking rotten” with corruption and claims that President Peter Mutharika is fighting the vice are all “cosmetic.”
“ It is undeniable that the country is besieged by corruption which continues to rob millions of our people a decent future. We know that government either arrests small fish in the pond, cripples the Anti-Corruption Bureau from discharging its duties efficiently or drags the corruption cases in courts forever because the spoils of these corrupt deals are shared within the ranks and files of the DPP. These gimmicks are disgusting and cheap,” said Mtambo.
Government, however, issued a statement on the K53.9 billion Immigration Department uniforms supply deal , saying it will not allow “daytime robbery of State resources.”
In a statement released by government spokesperson Henry Mussa, who is also Minister of Information, made available to Nyasa Times, said it is the view of government that the concerns being expressed relating to the matter are “genuine”, saying authorities are therefore working tirelessly to protect the national interests.
The government spokesman also pointed out that the State is “vehemently opposing and challenging” the said claim in the courts of law.
“It is the unflinching position of Government that the said claim is dubious and aimed at defrauding the Treasury and State coffers,” Mussa said in the statement.
Mussa said all government agencies responsible for civil as well as criminal justice are coordinating their efforts in handling the claim.
But Mtambo told reporters that while CSOs acknowledge and applaud government’s stand on the Immigration ‘Uniform-gate’ scandal, they question why government is “taking forever” to effect arrest on Batawalala and his cronies for attempting to defraud government.
“ We need to send a strong message to all those who have sinister motive of defrauding govern by way of swiftly conducting investigations and effecting arrests if need be,” said Mtambo.
Karim Batatawala obtained a suppression order from the court against The Nation newspaper from reporting details of the ‘uniform-gate’ scandal.
The Daily Times while covering the news conference, opted to give the demand of Abdul Karim to be arrested a blackout.
The CSOs said they condemn in strongest terms Batawalala’s attempts to gag the media and stifle media freedom through court [and economic capture].
Opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera also condemned the dubious deal and demanded thorough investigations for possible fraud.
And estranged Vice-President Saulos Chilima also rapped on the controversial K53.9 billion claim.
Meanwhile, the CSOs have called on the Malawi government to stop dealing with Abdul Karim Batawalala’s companies because he is a danger to the economic growth of the country.
Mark my word Karin’s are untouchables
He is untouchable. But he will be touched by a bullet to his head. Tell your mwenye boss to beef security where ever he goes. We a\re not scared of him. We are in SA we will come for him.
If not arrested and put behind bars with strict no bail to be given peter u will loose
And that’s not the only scandal he has properties worth 1 trillion kwachas wat the hell is MRA doing if a malawian brings a blanket or cycle there are seized and this indian if he is in India can’t even get a job of cleaning toilet and now he has started supporting the ISI of Pakistan to fight India and USA
Arrests of just him or all those in the deal? Nothing will happen because too many pepo are invorved
What do you expect from these guys , the government is not a listening government under the DPP administration ?
They cannot act, they will pretend acting during the day but will go to this batawalalalala in the evening and tell him that nothing will happen, we’re govt, we control ACB, Courts and everything. The only tool we’ve at the moment is to vote out this madness, mediocre out of govt for now. Akapume kaye ajaila.
i do agree the govt should put up more measures. however, arresting someone for making a claim i think is not a good idea as of now as the issue is in court and it will be up to court to rule whether is a guinuine claim or not. so mnr ntambo let the court do its job. for those about the other whom u call ballllalalala i think those who are not happy with the injection should go the court and challenge it rather than wasting ur time complaining to the wrong pplke. go the judge and ask him… Read more »
Bravo Mr Mtambo and ur team. You are indeed men of this country.
It is the courage we lack as a nation, to fight for our plight, that is crippling Malawi. Whilst we all bow in cowardice, you are the men standing.
Just put a bullet in this indian’s head. Tatopa.
What about our brothers who facilitated it as well?
Mwenye first brothers last
Why do we let foreigner to take advantage of our govts. Can a Malawian do that rubbish in India. Please dont give foreigners a chance in our country please.
mwachuluka ma dictators eti? basi kungomanga munthu mu democracy without due procedure,mmmmmmmm