By Joseph Dumbula
Malawi Police have confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Finance Sosten Gwengwe, former Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, and former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba over fertiliser contracts valued at more than K200 billion (approximately $114 million) awarded to East Bridge.
According to Malawi Police Service (MPS) spokesperson Lael Chimtembo, the three former senior officials are being investigated on allegations including abuse of office, fraud by false pretences, and money laundering.
“The Malawi Police Service, working in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), has apprehended three former high-ranking government officials as part of investigations into contracts involving fertiliser, soya beans and tobacco awarded to East Bridge,” Chimtembo said in a statement.
She added that the suspects are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
The contracts under investigation were entered into between East Bridge and the Government of Malawi, involving the Ministry of Agriculture and the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi
