Opposition raises concerns over arrests of its top officials

By Michael Martin//MALAWI
● Speaker assures safety of members
● Police clarify basis of arrests
● Mk200b East Bridge Contract under scrutiny

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Simplex Chithyola Banda has expressed concern over the manner in which recent arrests of Members of Parliament and former government officials are being conducted.

Chithyola Banda said the opposition believes the arrests are interfering with lawmakers’ ability to effectively carry out their parliamentary duties.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the media at Parliament following a meeting with Parliamentary leadership.

According to Chithyola Banda, the opposition formally presented its concerns to the leadership of Parliament.

He said the arrests have taken place at times when Members of Parliament were actively engaged in parliamentary business.

Chithyola Banda noted that several Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Members of Parliament stood in solidarity with the opposition on the matter.

He added that the disruptions have affected the smooth running of Parliamentary Committee meetings.

The opposition has since proposed that Parliamentary leadership engage relevant authorities to address the situation.

Chithyola Banda appealed for Members of Parliament who were arrested during parliamentary deliberations to be granted bail.

He said granting bail would allow the affected legislators to resume their normal parliamentary responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sumear Suleiman has assured Members of Parliament of their safety during parliamentary proceedings.

The Speaker committed to ensuring that Parliamentary Committee sessions are conducted without undue interference.

Parliamentary leadership has indicated it will engage relevant institutions to safeguard the independence of Parliament.

In a related development, the Malawi Police Service has clarified that the arrests of former senior government officials are linked to the controversial fertiliser deal involving Romanian firm East Bridge.

National Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Lael Chimtembo confirmed the development in a statement.

Chimtembo said the deal was entered into during the Malawi Congress Party-led administration.

She named the suspects as former Minister of Agriculture Sam Dalitso Kawale, former Minister of Finance Sosten Gwengwe, and former Secretary to the Government Colleen Zamba.

According to police, the three are being investigated for abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.

Chimtembo said the alleged offences are connected to the procurement of fertiliser through East Bridge.

She explained that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) were central institutions in the deal.

Police allege that the contracts linked to the fertiliser deal exceeded an estimated total value of MK200