On 12th February, 2020, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) received a complaint alleging that the Department of Lands leased Plot Number LW 1366 (Kanjedza Forest) belonging to the Department of Forestry to Honourable Charles Mchacha without following proper procedures.
The ACB instituted investigations into the complaint and established that Hon. Charles Mchacha induced public officers to perform their functions corruptly in relation to the grant of the lease.
On 29th and 30th November, 2020, the ACB arrested Hon. Charles Mchacha and Mr. Bright Kumwembe, respectively. Mr. B. Kumwembe is the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Hon. Mchacha has been charged with the offence of inducing a public officer to perform functions corruptly contrary to Section 25A (2) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Mr. Kumwembe has been charged with the offence of giving false information to the ACB and neglect of official duty contrary to Section 14 (1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices Act and Section 121 of the Penal Code, respectively.
The two were taken to the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court where they were released on bail after satisfying the following bail conditions:
• Produced a cash bond of MK500,000.00 each.
• Produced one surety, each bonded at MK500,000.00 not cash.
• Surrendered travel documents to Court.
• Ordered to report at ACB offices once every fortnight on Fridays.
• Ordered not to interfere with state witnesses.
Trial will commence on 6th January, 2021.
EGRITA M. NDALA
PRINCIPAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: DIRECTOR GENERAL
