By Burnett Munthali

The Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has advised Masauko Chamkakala, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to revive the previously halted corruption case involving Paramount Holdings Limited while endorsing the discontinuation of another corruption case involving Malawi Vice President  Dr. Saulos Chilima.

The revelation came to light on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, following Chamkakala’s appearance before the Committee to elucidate the reasons behind the discontinuation of certain alleged corruption cases dating back to 2023.

Masauko Chamkakala
The Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament has advised Chamkakala to revive the previously halted corruption case.

In August 2023, The Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court summoned Paramount Holdings and its three directors to answer three charges related to government procurement deals.

According to a charge sheet dated August 2 2023, the accused Prakash Virgi Ghedia, Arvindkumar, Atit Patel, Suresh Khimji Jagatiya and Paramount Holdings Ltd where the three are directors, were charged with three counts each.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdrew criminal charges it placed on three directors of Paramount Holdings Limited (PHL) and the company itself.

In a court notice dated March 19, 2024, addressing PHL directors and company, said the state had no case for them, hence withdrawing.

DPP Masauko Edwin Chamkakala confirmed the development but refused to disclose reasons for the discontinuation of the cases.

Committee Chairperson Peter Dimba stated, “We’ve been in discussions with the DPP since morning, primarily concerning two cases. As stipulated by Section 99 of the constitution, the DPP holds the authority to terminate criminal proceedings before judgment.

Dimba further informed the local media that the Committee endorsed the discontinuation of the corruption case involving Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima due to its connection with the Malawi Defence Force.

Investigative journalist Gregory Gondwe, who exposed the Malawian government’s planned purchase of 32 armored vehicles from a company implicated in corruption, is in hiding, fearing arrest by the military.

In a story published in February 2024, Gregory Gondwe, who works with Platform for Investigative Journalism, quoted unnamed military officials saying the Malawi Defense Force paid a firm associated with businessman Zuneth Sattar millions of dollars for military equipment.

Sattar is facing allegations of corruption.

The story said the transaction involved a $4.98 million payment, part of a nearly $20 million deal for the procurement of 32 armored personnel carriers for the Malawi Defense Force.

Using leaked documents from the Malawi Defense Force, or MDF, Gondwe reported that the deal defeats the Malawi government’s commitment to combating corruption.

Nevertheless, Dimba has emphasized the necessity for the Director of Public Prosecutions to reinitiate certain cases, notably the one involving Paramount Holdings Limited, which was terminated due to insufficient evidence.

He stressed that Paramount Holdings Limited, accused of utilizing falsified documents to supply motorcycles to both public and private institutions, should be held accountable through legal proceedings.

It important to fight corruption. Undetected and unchecked corruption in the public sector can cause serious damage including: undermining public trust in government. wasting public resources and money.

We can reduce corruption in developing countries. Tools such as awareness-raising campaigns, training and capacity building, transparency, and heavy penalties for corrupt practices should be used to combat corruption and reduce its negative societal impacts.

Unfortunately the possible reason that lead people to lose interest in fighting corruption include fear of reprisal or retaliation from powerful individuals or groups involved in corruption can discourage individuals from actively engaging in anti-corruption activities. The risk of facing harassment, threats, or even physical harm may deter people from speaking out against corruption or reporting corrupt practices.