Malawi experts trash commission of inquiry on Zambia ‘maizegate’: Move to silence critics and shield thieves

Some sections of the society has trashed President Peter Mutharika’s commission of inquiry on Zambian maizegate scandal.

Law professor at the University of Malawi Edge Kanyongolo said experience has shown that commission of inquiries do not do any good.

Mutharika has appointed a four member commission of inquiry led by former chief Justice Anastanzia Msosa to look into allegations that Admarc chief executive Foster Mulumbe  corruptly bought the 100000 metric tonnes of maize.

The deal is also implicating Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Devleopment, George Chaponda.

“This inquiry will not help us,” said Kanyongolo.

He said in the past, there had been numerous commission of inquiries whose reports the government had not acted on.

Civil rights activist Justin Dzonzi described the  setting up of the commissiion of inquiry as waste of time.

“The commission will not help anything,” said Dzonzi.

He said Mutharika has appointed the commission just to silence some critics over the maize saga.

But Minister of Information , Communication IC, Nicholas Dausi said the government would make use of the report after it will be released.

Mutharika has given the inquiry 30 days to come up with findings.

But Robert Mkwezalamba, the executive director of Malawi Human Rights Consultative Committee said the 21 day ultimatum to have Chaponda fired and Admarc CEO Foster Mlumbe suspended still stands despite the inquiry.

He said after the expiry of the 21 days, if Chaponda is not fired and Mlumbe not suspended, the government should brace for massive protests organised by 11 civil rights organisations including Public Affairs Committee.

Chaponda dismissed in an interview that he was involved in corruoption in the purchase of the government maize.

“People who are saying these are jealosy of me, they are envious of my political stand in the country,” he said.

He therefore said he would not step down following the intense pressure to do so by some civil rights organisations.