By Jones Gadama
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the North, Jappie Mhango, appeared in court today after being arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over allegations of corruption.
Mhango, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rumphi North, was arrested yesterday in Mzuzu.
According to the ACB, Mhango is accused of misusing his office to authorize the sale of government houses at undervalued prices, leading to a loss of government revenue.
Specifically, the allegations state that Mhango arbitrarily authorized the sale of houses belonging to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works at a price of K2.95 million, benefiting his relative, Cuthbert Mhango, and 11 others.
The ACB also alleges that Mhango provided false information to investigators, claiming he did not know the landlord of a house rented by his second wife, Thokozile Wanda, when in fact the house was bought from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works during his tenure as minister.
Mhango’s lawyer, Charles Lupande, has confirmed that his client has not yet been cautioned by the ACB.
The case is expected to proceed today, with DPP supporters gathered outside the court house in Mzuzu showing their solidarity with Mhango.
