JB issues stern warning, ‘law will take its course’
President Joyce Banda has fired warning shots at all perpetrators of various crimes including abuse of government funds during late Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration as well as those involved in a failed constitutional coup plot that the long arm of the law will catch up with them
Since ascendancy of Banda to the presidency revelations have been made on how some senior government officials and other former ruling DPP gurus looted government resources and gotten filthy rich while the rest of Malawians lived in dire poverty
In her acceptance speech after being sworn in as President following sudden death of Mutharika, Banda preached peace, reconciliation and forgiveness, a development which brought doubts as to whether people who committed various offences in the former regime will be prosecuted.
But speaking at a news conference at her official Mtuthama residence in Lilongwe Friday, Banda did not mince words but said the law will catch up with all perpetrators.
“If people are not comfortable with the wealth you have amassed and that you stole from poor Malawians, yes I have forgiven you but you shall be answerable,” she said.
“Because even when God came to the garden of Eden and found Adam and his wife naked hiding behind a tree he forgave them but told them they will still die,” she said
Banda disclosed that she has been receiving letters from former DPP members complaining as to why after being forgiven she has not taken them on board in her administration.
“Working together and forgiving one another are two different things, if I know that you are wrong and the sin you have committed is that have stolen then you don’t have to be in the job,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the President described the recent trips that she took to South Africa, Liberia and Nigeria as successful as Malawi stands to benefit from the talks that help with the countries counterparts.
President Banda said the countries will help Malawi build its economy back and help with the coming African Union.
“My meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma was very fruitful, they have pledged to support us with the coming African union, and we went further to discuss how we can advance trade between the two countries,” said Banda adding that the country pledged to mobilize all SADC leaders to help Malawi with the economic challenges.
In a communiqué read from foreign affairs ministry, the two leaders agreed to discuss ways how credit lines could be availed to Malawi to enable the country import necessary goods and services that can bail Malawi from its economic hardships.
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