Kasambara arrest warrant dismissed, Malawi detectives to interview Mphwiyo in SA

Malawi Police on Wednesday dismissed fevered speculation that they obtained an arrest warrant from a Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe for sacked Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara in relation to the shooting of Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo.

Kasambara was not named in the new cabinet line-up announced by President Joyce Banda on Tuesday after dissolution of the entire cabinet by the Malawian leader.

No reasons however were given for Kasambara’s dropping from the president Banda’s administration.

On Wednesday the social media was awash with rumours of the arrest warrant after seasoned journalist Mabvuto Banda had tweeted about it.

Police will interview Mphwiyo in South Africa
Police will interview Mphwiyo in South Africa

But addressing reporters Deputy Police Inspector General and Chairperson of the recently constituted Crime Investigation Committee Nelson Bophani said there was not arrest warrant for Kasambara.

Bophani however did not rule out police questioning the former minister but said they were expected to hear from Mphwiyo.

He disclosed that Malawi police investigators  have been flown to South Africa to interview Mphwiyo.

“Two days ago, our officers left for South Africa to interview Mphwiyo,” said Bophani.

“I suppose all things being equal they will be back by the end of the week and brief us,” he added.

Soon after Mphwiyo’s shooting government said he was targeted because of his fight against corruption and fraud, but other reports have revealed an existence of a syndicate that has been swindling government through illegal encashment of government cheques.

Other reports have indicated that the shooting was a result of a deal gone sour and linked the incident to senior government officials including ministers.

Kasambara and private lawyer Wapona Kita, who were linked to the shooting, came out through the press to distance themselves from the incident.

The Police deputy chief said they have sent two officers to interview Mphwiyo in South Africa because they are not sure when he would return to Malawi.

Sources in South Africa said Mphwiyo is “fit and well” to undergo police interview as he is “feeling much better now and is out of danger.”

Mphwiyo was shot three times by unknown assailants a recently as he was entering his residence which is located in Area 43, Lilongwe.

Eight of Malawi’s donors including the United Kingdom, the USA and the European Union community offered Malawi government assistance to help to thoroughly investigate all issues emerging following Mphwiyo’s shooting.

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