The Malawi Police Service has issued a warrant of arrest for former Malawian President Joyce Banda saying they have credible evidence she was involved in the infamous cashgate scandal that rocked government while she was in office.
According to a statement issued by the Police, investigations by the Fiscal and Fraud Section unearthed credible evidence that raised suspicion that the former head of state committed offences related to abuse of office and money laundering.
While the Police Service does not necessarily make public arrest warrants that have been issued, the cops cited the overwhelming public interest in the case which has already seen several civil servants arrested and convicted in relation to the cashgate plunder which nearly cost the life of Paul Mphwiyo who was budget director during Banda’s government.
The cashagte scandal came to light in 2013 and it is beleived close to $32 million was looted from government coffers by civil servants, politicians and private individuals. According to several statements taken from others arrested in the affair, Joyce Banda knew what was going on and is beleived to have used some of the funds for her 2014 election campaign.
Former Justice Minister, Ralph Kasambara had wanted Joyce Banda to be paraded as a witness in his trial while Oswald Lutepo who is serving a 11 year jail term is also said to have mentioned Joyce Banda’s name ahead of his sentencing.
Joyce Banda has denied all allegations linking her to cashgate saying she is a victim of a political witch-hunt by Peter Mutharika’s DPP government. She went ahead and hired Bell Pottinger a PR firm to help control the narative around her involvement in the cashgate scandal. Bell Pottinger was recently accused of helping protect Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s embattled president as he also faces several corruption allegations in his own country.
