Malawi govt warns severe action against Admarc maize smugglers

Government has warned severe action against those involved in Admarc maize smuggling that has negatively affected the sale of the staple food in state controlled grain markets.

Minister of Information Jappie Mhango said this at a rally after finishing donating K5 million worth of maize and beans in the north courtesy of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

“We are aware that there are unscrupulous traders who are conniving with Admarc officials to smuggle the maize out of Admarc depots. We will deal with them,” said Mhango.

Deputy minister of Education Vincent Ghambi described those who smuggle the maize as evil as they are forcing Admarc depots run out of grain as soon as it arrives forcing poor ordinary Malawians go without food as they cannot afford the K9000 per 50kg bag from vendors whereas Admarc sells at K5500 per 50kg bag.

He said local leaders should ensure Admarc officials are not selling maize at night. As the two cabinet ministers were telling people this, police in Ncheu were questioning a Democratic Progressive Party member of parliament for Ntcheu West Mwayi Kamuyambeni on the very same issue.

He is said to have obtained 50 bags of maize out of the 100 he had asked for allegedly to donate to hunger stricken people in his constituency.

The MP was questioned for four hours before the police gave him bail.

Ntcheu district commissioner Harry Phiri denied he had given the legislator a go ahead to take the maize, saying he had advised him to seek permission from Admarc management.

The police have since recovered all the bags of maize.