Former Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala continues to receive his full government salary and benefits despite no longer performing his duties, according to a report by Nyasa Times. Chamkakala was effectively replaced when President Peter Mutharika appointed Fostino Maere to the position in November of last year. However, Chamkakala was never formally dismissed or redeployed. This administrative limbo has prompted fresh questions regarding the government's commitment to public sector austerity measures, as taxpayers continue to fund an official who has not reported for duty in several months.
In a separate governance dispute, former Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority Director General Eddington Chilapondwa has launched a legal challenge against his recent dismissal. Nyasa Times and Nation Online report that Chilapondwa filed papers at the Industrial Relations Court arguing his initial January suspension was unlawful. According to Chilapondwa, Secretary to the Treasury Cliff Chiunda authorized the suspension instead of the agency's board, which he contends is the only body legally empowered under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act to suspend a director general. He also argues that his suspension period exceeded the 60-day legal limit before his eventual dismissal in April.