The Anti-Corruption Bureau received an allegation in 2011 that the then
Commissioner for National Statistical Office, Mr Charles Machinjiri produced a list of
applicants with JCE to be recruited as Temporary Statistical Clerks in a vacancy
whose minimum qualification was MSCE and that Mr Machinjiri gave that list to Mr
Hastings Dowe who was Human Resource Management Officer then (now Director of
Administration at Blantyre District Council) for consideration during aptitude test for
the recruitment.
The Bureau conducted investigation which established that 21 individuals were
recruited although they did not meet the requirements. It was also established that
Mr Dowe recommended and endorsed the recruitment. Mr Machinjiri, on the other
hand, approved that list.
On 28th September, 2021, the ACB arrested Mr. Dowe and Mr. Machinjiri. They were
taken to Zomba Magistrate’s Court on 29th September where they were charged. Mr
Dowe was charged with misuse of public office, contrary to Section 25B (1) of
Corrupt Practices Act. Mr Machinjiri was charged with neglect of official duty,
contrary to Section 121 of the Penal Code.
They were released on bail after satisfying the following conditions:
• Produced to the Court K250,000 cash each as bail bond
• Ordered to report at ACB offices once every fortnight on Mondays
• Produced one surety each bonded at K500,000.00 not cash
• Ordered to surrender travel documents to the Bureau
• Ordered not to leave Malawi without the authority of the Court
• Ordered not to interfere with state witnesses
They will appear in Court on 18th and 19th October, 2021 for trial.
EGRITA M. NDALA
PRINCIPAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: DIRECTOR GENERAL
