‘Larger than life’ Chaponda snubs Malawi MPs probing maizegate

Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Minister George Chaponda  on Friday did now show up  at parliamentary inquiry on maizegate  in Lilongwe despite being invited.

Two committees of Parliament—the Public Accounts Committee and the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development—are conducting an inquiry into the procurement of maize by State grain marketer – Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) – to establish whether there was an element of fraud and corruption in the deal.

Chairman of the inquiry Dr Jospeh Chidanti Malunga said Chaponda was foramlyy  invited to appear before the inquiry on Friday in the morning but did not avail himself.

“We sent an invitation and we have confirmation from his secretary that he received,” said Malunga.

“We are surprised he has not appeared and we will follow parliamentary procedures,” added Malunga.

Chaponda and Admarc CEO Foster Mulumbe are grilled on  corruption element in the procurement of maize.

Both Chaponda and Mulumbe denies any wrong doing.

Chaponda last week sneaked to Germany on official duties despite a court order restraining him from conducting official assignments.