On 22nd April, 2020, the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) received an allegation that the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Finance and other officials at Mzuzu City Council are involved in corrupt practices.
The ACB instituted investigations which involved interviewing some people including Silvester Kauteka, a vendor at Mzuzu Central Market. Part of the ACB investigations revealed that Mzuzu City Council Secretariate influenced some vendors to construct illegal structures along the M1 road without the approval of the council. Mr. Nyondo who is a businessman at Mzuzu market and other vendors assaulted Kauteka and his colleagues on or about 2 October 2020.
The ACB received a report of the assault and investigations established that Silvester Kauteka was indeed one of the people who was called to the ACB and was interviewed on the matter. It was also established that he had been assaulted by Mr. Nyondo and other vendors.
On 6th, 7th and 9th November, 2020, the ACB arrested Hastings Nyondo, Philip Msiska, Mzee Mustafa, Josephy Chawinga, Bonface Kashololo, Andrew Saka, Lifa Andrew Phiri, Thapison Banda and Benard Nkhata all vendors in Mzuzu market.
They were taken to Court where they were charged with victimization of whistle blower or informers and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to Section 51(A) (5) of the Corrupt Practices Act and Section 254 of the Penal Code respectively.
They were granted bail on 9th and 10th November, 2020.They will appear in Court on a date to be set by the Court for continuation of trial.
EGRITA M. NDALA
PRINCIPAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: DIRECTOR GENERAL
