Govt says Joyce Banda risks arrest over Cashgate, Malawi presidential jet ‘batter’
A powerful Malawi government delegation of senior ministers on Friday addressed a news conference in Lilongwe, declaring there is an existing valid arrest warrant for former president Joyce Banda which Police talked about two years ago to investigate Banda for “alleged abuse of office and money laundering”.
The national police spokesman James Kadadzera said they secured a warrant of arrest from the court in February 2017for Banda in relation to her alleged involvement in cashgate.
But neither Banda nor her lawyers have been served a copy of the warrant and all attempts to see it have been thwarted by the authorities.
Speaking at the news conference which was among others attended by Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu, government spokesman and Minister of Information Henry Mussa said the arrest warrant if “alive and valid.”
The three senior Cabinet ministers took turns explaining that in the fullness of time Joyce Banda will face the law.
Mussa said government has been forced to comment on the issue following continued political statements by both Banda and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera insinuating that JB is innocent on the plunder of public funds known as Cashgate.
JB, as Banda is widely known by her initials, last month withdrew from the presidential race in the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections and instead endorsed Chakwera of MCP.
On his part, Justice Minister Tembenu pointed out that government is using a prosecution strategy to handle Cashgate cases adding that contractors were first to be prosecuted followed by civil servants and politicians are next in line.
He hinted Banda will be in line to face prosecution.
Taking his turn, Gondwe described as untrue JB’s assertions that she is not to blame for the disposal of the French-made jet to Bohnox Enterprises Limited, a subsidiary of Paramount Group, a South Africa-based defence and military equipment supplier.
The Banda administration had given conflicting explanations on the sale of the jet, including how the State had used the proceeds of the jet—prompting some donors such as the United Kingdom and civil society organisations (CSOs) to demand an investigation into the sale.
It was disclosed that the jet was “battered off” to offset a $19 million debt owed to Paramount Group.
Gondwe said that records of the Presidential Jet sale are scanty and some of the proceeds cannot be traced to date.
Speaking last month at a news conference she jointly held with Chakwera in Lilongwe, JB denied any involvement in the Cashgate, the plunder of public resources at Capital Hill, saying she has evidence the corruption scandal exposed under her watch in 2013 had started during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime before she became Head of State in 2012.
Banda said the issue of Cashgate has been repeatedly spoken about and that she has made it clear that she played no role.
She argued that prior to Cashgate, the K236 billion theft happened between 2009 and 2012 when former president the late Bingu Wa Mutharika was in charge, saying she has a letter written by former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor Perks Ligoya to late president Bingu about the financial malfeasance.
According to Banda, there must be a stubborn link between the K236 billion scam and the Cashgate which upon being alerted when JB was in power, she publicly announced she would crack down on all thieves.
Later, with the help of the British government, she instituted a forensic audit, which was carried by the British-based RSM (formerly known as Baker Tilly) audit firm.
“Following the audit, many people, including top public officers, were arrested, prosecuted and convicted in connection with cashgate,” she said.
But Banda told reporters that she was “gagged” by Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara through a letter, from disclosing any information she was privileged to access while serving as President of Malawi between April 2012 and May 2014.
In a letter dated June 21 2007 seen by Nyasa Times, Muhara reminded the former Head of State on the need to adhere to the oath of secrecy that required both current and former presidents, members of Cabinet, current and retired to observe secrecy and confidentiality.
Banda said her conscious is clear on the sale of the presidential jet.
She said the jet was sold after Cabinet approved and then Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), which was headed by Bright Msaka (now Minister of Education), facilitated the sale of the jet.
“There is no [State asset] bigger than the plane that can be sold without Attorney General signing [the deal],” said Banda.
She said the Attorney General who signed the sale approval and the then Chief Secretary to OPC were still around.
“I am very, very comfortable about that issue. I am one person who believes that I served my country well,” she said.
Meanwhile, governance expert and commentator Makhumbo Munthali told Nyasa Times on Friday that he feared the development could be politically motivated.
“It’s a typical case of why joining them not us. If JB had decided to partner with them would they have taken such a path. It’s sad to note that they had to wait for JB to partner with MCP -one of the hot contenders in the May 21 elections order to start this.,” said Munthali.
“I think they are now terrified with political capital Joyce Banda is bringing to the campaign period and elections. A typical case of politicisation of cases and double standards. It’s a desperate act of panic, “he added.
“I was one of the people who in 2017 called for government that if JB has a case to answer let it be done. And no one should shield her. But this development is subjected to political witch-hunt.,” said Munthali.
He it is clear this coming at the background that Banda is influencing voters in favour of Chakwera and this give rooms that this could be political vendetta.
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Thank God UTM didnt team up with the cashgaters. Just look at the MCP busy defending corruption of Joyce Banda and the PP! Messaging yawo yasokonekela basi.
Why press conference if there is a case? Hold another press conference for Police saga, one for Passport saga, another one for immigration saga, etc etc. just pick JB and try hernin a courtnof law, otherwise combination of nyusensi. #agogoakuladi.
if she is in the wrong just bring her to court, otherwise she will sue the government for defamation for at least mkw 1 billion
Hon Samuel Tembenu why sink so low,you can do better.You were supposed to tell your colleagues that sintchito yanu kupanga press conference on that issue.Let the ACB & the police do their work independently.That is why you can’t win in Salima central constituency.Mpikisano ulipakati pa Gerlad ndi Joshua,inu khalidwe lanu ndilozikonda.Youwill scoop position 3 Mark my word.50+ 1 it was you behind the denial.
This is becoming interesting. Soon after JB’s trial commences, SKC or Chakwera will appoint a Commission of enquiry to look into Chasowa and Njauju murders and the K145m issue, among others. The Blue Night case will definitely resume.
Pofuna kumanga munthu mumachita press conference ndimayesa a police amangotenga arrest warrant kukammanga, but those hot big headed ministers without shame, nanu a Tembenu osakhala ngati lawyer addvising your colleagues but nawe mimba tiye tiye konko kuli Goodaaaaall
Abhiti Kazhigeti took delivery of 24 cars bought by Looteepo bought using cashgate money. Looteepo himself is serving a cashgate sentence. She praised him for wisdom. What of the Kasambava, Mphwiyo, etc shooting saga and her utterances? What of evidence by cashgators Kalonga and late Theresa Namathanga-Senzani? This stupid woman takes barefoot Malawians as idiots to be governed by her or her appendages like Chakwera wakwera joisi.
Stinking nation with brainless leaders like Malawi is a shame. Nobody has been arrested because of the billions plundered under Bingu and now busy trying to destablise the nation with useless arrests during this trying moment. I am sure a sane leader would not be thinking in the lines of arrests during campaign period.
What was the purpose for this press conference?
Political suicide!
But why Tembenu you are sinking so low and involving yourself with such useless politics. All this time why did you not arrest her. That not withstanding Chakwera has otherwise contaminated the otherwise good party MCP by bringing in a truck load of thieves and cashgaters from PP beginning with Sidik Mia, JB, Sosten Gwengwe , Harry Nkandawire. Chakwera should not play clean because he is now enjoying proceeds of theft from the two years of JB plunder and looting.
kodimutiuza mpaka liti zofuna kumamanga joisi??????????????? mukusowa ncito? munayamba kalekale ,ndife ozungulila mitu kuti muzingotinamiza kuticitsa thenthse??/ tavionanai ngati vosema, vimaso ngati dzimwe,a kangombwa okuba inu.,kodi goodal waiwala anaomba international money anacotsela ambasada anali ku german nkhaniyi itaululuka, takanani bwani tili ndi 100% info. uyu nzake wa binguyi mussa tikungomulelekelela embezzling money left and right. ndi nkazsi wakeyu ku embassy. eetu anacokela ku zimbabwe kuitanidwa ndi bingu kuti azasunge dziko la malawi.
mxiiiiiiiiiiiiii.mbava zokha zokha
Too late guys,you got a warrant of arrest in Feb.2017 and you want to make the arrest 47days before being voted out?
Ooooooh indeed DPP is panicking with the development that JB Banda has created. It’s too late for DPP to bring this case now.
Zanja laremba khoma kuti UTM is leading this country.
So we are at the MERCY of THIEVES THEMSELVES who to or arrest. The midnight six have become investigators, prosecutors and the jury to decide on the fate of alleged criminal activities.
This country is pathetic and doomed!
Mine is a simple advice to the once mighty DPP. You arrest JB, you are gone for good. You are better off now. Please do not even dare it. You will regret.
Koma yaaaa! Che Goodall Gondwewo nkhopeyo kuopsa ngati ya chimpanzee!
Munthu waba, ndiye azitumbwatumbwanso. Akwizingidwe basi .
.
Mwagwa nayo macadet,alliance yakupengetsani,mulibe kothiwila,if not MCP ndi UTM,mukutuluka m”boma basi
Bakha JB must be arrested. Both Lutepo and Kasambara mentioned her in their cashgate cases. And we want answers to the jetgate. She is not clean at all. By the way, what do you think made Joice Banda to flee this country and hide in America for 4 years? She knew she was a cashgate culprit.
Amangidwe banka ameneyu.
Apumbwa paluendooooo
Mr. Auditor General, please get all the audit reports ready because I now want to start suing Gondwe and his finance officers for billions unaccounted for.
Three ministers who don’t think
Nyengo yamala
Desperate times, call for desperate measures. These people are testing the mood of the people. Press conference just to tell us kuti 2017 warant of arrest still stands. Come on guys, you are not serious. You are making Cashgate, a political case.
Where were you all these years you government fools???
Where was the warrant of arrest all this time? We were waiting to hear her stand politically first???
With or without Joyce Banda MCP is taking over government. Say bye to your contractors whom you have been conniving with to syphone our innocent taxes.
MCP/PP/FP 2019 bomaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Joyce Banda should not be left to lie that she never stole public money. She is the Chief Cashgater who also sold our plane – a national asset that should have been kept. Chakwera and MCP should be ashamed to be defending a THIEF. Anyone who has half a brain now knows MCP cannot fight corruption.
JB just indorsed Lazarus Chakwera. Las is not defending anyone. He even said is not responsible for arresting people. The rule of law should take its course
How about the issue of the MId Night Six Bwana Tembenu? Were they cleared? If yes of what?
I still dont cease to wonder are you suggesting that they warrant will only be silent for as long as JB is silent or what are you telling us.
And by extension the warrant will be silient even if she is guilty she has no case to answer? Aand so should we think the crime she has done is that she is talking her mind. MMmmmmmmm koma DPP mmmmmmm mutigwetsera malawi ngati ziziyenda choncho
just to arrest JB because she has joined MCP, this is shame to DDP. Ndale zopepela mukuonesela kuti mwangwidwya njakata.
anthu ena onse a cashgate amangowamanga without a press conference. Why a press conference to arrest munthu? why keeping the 2017 warrant of arrest? whose job was to arrest, why didn’t they arrest? a clear demonstration kuti kumangako amaona nkhope. These dpp guys need to go. We will see worse things if they remain in power. let Goodoo, Musa, Peter rest. Onsewa have amassed riches, the will lose nothing in the Malawi they are messing up today
Why now. She has been all over the country freely for a long time
Nanga uyu anaba 145 million kwacha nkunamanso kuti anabweza muchita naye bwanji, umboni ulipotu!
JB deserves arrest: jet money can’t just disappear like that.
Munyeledwa a Patrick kikkkkkkkk!
They wanted JB to join forces with DPP, hahahahaha agwa nayo
Political vendetta indeed!!! DPP will still fall on 21st May…the writing is on the wall.
A DPP mesa mumati ndinu owina wina. Hahahahha madzi achita katondi eeeeti. Musova. Munali kuti all this time?
chimangeni chimzimayi chakuba chimenechi. Osasekelela munthu mangani mbava
nanga che Pitala za MK145,000,000 zija bwanji? I can see bwanawa nthawi youlura ma results a ma elections azakhala atapita kale ku Texas
Dikila yikadusa may 21
You are doing all this this just because she is working with MCP. Why didn’t you arrest immediately after coming back home from the USA. Look at the scorpion faces of Goodall Gondwe and Henry Mussa. How much did Bingu still? How much have stolen from the Highway from City Center to Area 49 and how much have stolen from the Kasiya road? That aside we all know that you have been stealing with Zameer. Gertrude is building flats near Ntaya in Lilongwe. This is fear of MCP victory. Mwatha basi inu a dpp. Goodall Gondwe at 84 still wants to be relevant.. We know of the young girls that go go around with.
Akwizingidwe munthu uyu, please. Anaba zochuluka kukadya ndi mwamuna wake ku USA. Jail is her rightful place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wonsewa ndi mbava zokha zokha, mose muja munali kuti? m’mangeni Joiceyo mukampeza kundende komweko, muzikangosiyana miyeezi basi. mbava!!AGALU INUU mmmmm
ZIPHWISI ZA WANTHU IZI ZA DPP
kkkkk. ndale za mbuli zimenezo. nkhalamba izi zilipo eti.MUKUWOPA ALLIANCE YA MCP-PP-FP kkkkkkMUSOVA
Kodi zomanga wolakwa Muzichita upanga Kaye conference? Bwanji osangomumanga bwanji? Kekeke mwachiona chipani ung’ambika?
Sir Makhumbo Munthali, you have hit the nail on the head! These DPP thieves are trying hard to deal with anyone who is against them. Had JB joined DPP, this case would not have resurfaced. It’s a matter of jealousy that why join them not us as you have already pointed out. My question is: ‘Why now when JB returned to Malawi long time ago? They tried tooth & nail to block the registration of UTM but failed. They send DPP thugs to disrupt opposition party rallies & beat up people. Surprisingly, MEC is silent, sitting phwiii & enjoying the drama! They are forgetting that everyone will vote secretly These are nothing but kicks of a dying horse! These are selfish & greedy leaders under a selfish, greedy, headless & nepotistic president.The God we serve will intervene for JB!
Then we have an idiot in the name of Atupele Muluzi who thinks holding people accountable is vendetta. If Joyce Banda is guilty, let her face the law and as soon as DPP is out, let them too answer for their crimes. This is not vendetta Mr Muluzi. It is called observing the law.
JB wakikandani pa chilonda? This politics of ndizakumanga is useless. Let the arms responsible do their work professionalyl.
A politician has no mandate on this isssues. Whats the work of ACB, police and judiciary. If yoi have evidence blow you wistle to ACB. If she is involved will be prosecuted and convicted. No need for intimidation press Same whip is waiting for u and your master Bwampini
Let me remind you that 21 May is 46 dys, our daggers are ready
God is for all of us not yours only
These are completely foolish guys how can you hold a press briefing to explain a pending arrest why not just go and arrest. What do you us as Malawians to get from that waste time & resource briefing. She has been here for too long without being arrested, mind you the warrant of arrest being refer to was issued before she came back from exile, to execute it now it look like witching hunting.
Henry Mussa i used to respect you but it seems you are just another sycophant Now wonder APM never dared to consider you for a runningmate.
What is happening is not justice.now iam convinced that this government operates on hearsay and hate.i do not condone cash gate but this should not be route.you can not arrest people in rank order when they have committed the same crime.which law school is this.some politicians were already prosecuted and are serving sentences so what are you talking about my fellow old men. dont use the police.you have waited for too long.its better to keep quiet.
KKKKKKKK, why not just arrest silently, we are wasting time with press conferences. So on the jet issue bwana msaka will assist us with information since he was the chief secretary then
Iyiyi isiyeni mukuiyamba Sympathy Vote
very true
Kkkkkkkkk now? Ok so bwana Msaka was Chief secretary then?
Mai awa akanoina DPP ngati mmene Atupele anachitira kupulutsa bambo ake, bwezi zotsedzi kulibe
Mid night 6 yayambako ndi ma press conference
Nanu a DPP muli ndi Zambiri, yesani kutero tiulule zomwe mukuchita ,umbava wanu onse ophulikira mukuona ngati sitikuona eti, tiyeni nazoni muyaluuka ndinu ndithu. Umboni onse tilinawo ife !!!!!! Ndi zoona tikunenazi ife ma Civil servants a ku Capital Hill tili ndiumboni heavy heavy tisamaleni. A Malawi ndi zoona tikunenazitu anthuwa a DPP akubedwa koipa zedi
mantha awagwira a DDP. I thought you are popular mukuopa chiyani?
Why would government have waited until she joins forces with MCP?
tamangani anthu a chimanga please asiyeni maiwa poti ali mbali ya MCP basi mwayambapo amatelo
DPP Mantha ndi amene awakulira alliance imeneyi ikuwaopsa, though they can do anything dpp is packing
Yerekezani muone mmene muyalukilee chifukwa zanu zitulukaaa osati sewero anthu akumva inu a DPP
DPP MBAVA DPP MBAVA DPP MBAVA DDP MBAVA DPP MBAVA