Malawi court reinstate MRA commissioner Namalomba: Judge Kenyatta says Kamoto’s decision to suspend unlawful

The High Court in Blantyre has reinstated Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Commissioner of Customs and Excise Shadrick Namalomba who was suspended for alleged misconduct.

Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda in his determination, ruled that MRA Commissioner General Ralph Kamoto acted illegally to suspend Namalomba, saying the power to suspend him lies in the hands of MRA board.

“The decision of the Commissioner General is unlawful, unprocedural and or unreasonable,” said Justice Kenyatta.

“The Commissioner General acted illegally by proceeding to suspend the applicant when the powers to suspend a commissioner lie within the authority of the board.”

According to the Judge, MRA chief acted contrary to Namalomba’s legitimate expectations in that he expected the board to meet and make proper recommendations to the Commissioner General and that would have been the basis for suspension.

Kamoto in a letter to MRA staff notifying them of Namalomba’s suspension said the commissioner had been suspended following a preliminary report alleging gross misconduct from his office.

It is reported that the suspension stems from Namalomba’s clearing of eight trucks of ruling DPP strongman Noel Masangwi involving illegal timber for export.