Insecurity worries CCJP: Demands action on Njauju murder, Malawi cashgate cases expedited

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) have said the recent murder of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director of Corporate Affairs, Issa Njauju highlights the levels of insecurity in the country.

Njauju, who was laid to rest last Saturday, was found dead in Lilongwe after he was reported missing on Thursday. His body was found behind Presidential Villas in the administrative capital.

He was shot twice while his official vehicle was burnt to ashes as well.

CCJP National Secretary Chris Chisoni said in a statement made available to Nyasa Times that the brutal killing of the ACB Director will send fear amongst and hinder the vital work of the anti-corruption agencies and justice delivery services like the courts, police and in particular the ACB.

“Whilst there is no official report yet providing details as to the reasons of the killing of the Director of Corporate Affairs for ACB; we in CCJP are worried that this incident will jeopardize the anti-corruption efforts of government as it seeks to address the corroding malaise of financial looting that has impacted on the country’s limited resources, and which is currently affecting the delivery of timely and quality public services to all citizens,” reads in the statement in part.

He therefore asked the Malawi Police Service to expedite investigations and establish reasons behind his death.

Chisoni further requested government to provide necessary support and security to ACB officials so that they be carrying their duties without fear and interference.

“We ask government to prioritize internal security measures to ensure national security at all levels of the society which of late has been a great cause of worry.

“We also ask Malawian citizens and communities to provide any information or details related to this murder and other security incidents. Without citizens’ participation in addressing this country’s security challenges, insecurity will continue to haunt us,” reads further the statement issued on Tuesday.

The outspoken CCJ National Secretary also called on the ACB and the judiciary to expedite current corruption-related cases, so as to limit the time and space for criminal interference and disturbance.

According to him, with delayed prosecutions hard core criminals will continue to seek ways of obstructing the justice system and structures.

He therefore said Njauju’s death shouldn’t discourage efforts and commitment to fight corruption and graft in Malawi “as our continued efforts are needed now more than ever to ensure good governance and the future security of our country”.

Mutharika government says it  is determined to increase the number of police officers in the country and  adequately fund Malawi Police Service.

Critics argue that the effectiveness of policing could not be measured by the number of officers alone, but by reductions in crime and increases in public confidence.

Police officers in Malawi have recently be connected to the criminal activities including robbery.

Government plans to procure an additional 100 police vehicles and build capacity in crime investigation through acquisition of appropriate equipment, training and recruitment of criminal intelligence gatherers.–Additional reporting by Alfred Chauwa, Nyasa Times