Update: The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament launched a public inquiry on Tuesday into the controversial acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund. According to AllAfrica, FDH Bank officials appeared before the committee to detail their involvement in the transaction. Acting Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Gabriel Chembezi is scheduled to testify on Thursday to address possible corruption risks associated with the deal. The Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor and the Attorney General are also expected to provide testimony regarding regulatory compliance and the legality of the purchase.
In law enforcement, the Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested Lilongwe-based immigration officer Lawrent Kagona for allegedly soliciting a K300,000 bribe to expedite a passport application. Face of Malawi reports that the suspect demanded the payment to bypass the standard K50,000 processing fee, receiving half the amount in cash and the remainder via mobile money. Anti-Corruption Bureau spokesperson Jacqueline Ngongonda confirmed the arrest, stating that Kagona will face charges under the Corrupt Practices Act. Maravi Express noted that the investigation stemmed from complaints received in January regarding bribery at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
On the international stage, the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances reviewed Malawi's initial compliance report during its 30th session in Geneva this week. According to the UN Office at Geneva, experts commended the Malawi Police Service for establishing victim support units across 364 stations. However, the committee raised questions regarding the violence and disappearances affecting persons with albinism. In response, the Malawian delegation announced that an updated national action plan to protect persons with albinism will launch soon. The delegation also committed to undertaking legal reforms to classify enforced disappearance as an autonomous criminal offence under domestic law.