By Emmanuel Kalekeni

The Malawi Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has refuted claims regarding the issuance of a diplomatic passport to Paul Mphwiyo, the former Budget Director who is currently missing.

Speculative reports circulating on social media alleged that certain government officials aided Mphwiyo in obtaining a diplomatic passport, which he purportedly used to flee the country.

Director General of Immigration and Citizenship, Brigadier General Charles Kalumo, responded to the allegations, asserting that there is no evidence in their records indicating that Mphwiyo obtained a diplomatic passport.

He emphasized that diplomatic passports are typically granted to specific individuals, such as the First Family, the Vice President, Former Vice Presidents, Members of Parliament, Ministers, the Speaker, the Army commander, and other high-ranking government officials. Therefore, it is implausible for Mphwiyo to have been issued such a passport, raising serious doubts about the authenticity of the claims.

Kalumo clarified the protocol for acquiring a diplomatic passport, stating that the process involves vetting by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submission to the Ministry of Homeland Security, under which the Immigration department operates.

Considering Mphwiyo’s ongoing corruption case, it is inconceivable that the ministry would extend him the privilege of a diplomatic passport.

“In essence, the Immigration department categorically denies having issued any such passport to Mphwiyo,” said Kalumo.

The news of Mphwiyo’s escape made headlines when his wife reported the matter to the police on June 26.

Peter Kalaya, the Police Headquarters spokesperson, confirmed the situation, revealing that Mphwiyo is a suspect in the K2.4 billion Cashgate case involving the embezzlement of government funds. The High Court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on the case soon.

The police have reason to believe that Mphwiyo fled the country on June 22, 2023, boarding a plane from Kamuzu International Airport to Chileka International Airport before heading to Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre.
Surveillance cameras at the hotel captured his last known movements, confirming that the disappearance occurred in Blantyre.

Mphwiyo’s escape has also sparked unrelated narratives, as some individuals on social media have alleged that senior government officials facilitated his getaway using a diplomatic passport and a government vehicle.

Additionally, there are unfounded claims that Mphwiyo was involved in misappropriating government funds amounting to 5 billion under the East Bridge AIP project.

However, these speculations have been dismissed as false by authorities, who insist that Mphwiyo’s disappearance is directly related to his evasion of judgment in the ongoing case.

Until further developments arise, the search for the missing individual and Cashgate suspect continues, while the High Court prepares to deliver a verdict that will be closely watched, considering the events that unfolded a decade ago with the shooting of Mphwiyo at his residence in Lilongwe.