Govt leaves MERA in the hands of Cashgate thief: CSOs not amused

Information sourced by FaceofMalawi indicates that the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Stan Ishmael Chiwoko is one of the suspects in the plunder of public funds dubbed Cashgate which happened during the reign of former President Dr. Joyce Banda.

Chiwoko was appointed on the position September 15 2016 after Chief Executive Officer, Raphael Kamoto, and Director of Finance, Elias Hausi were sent on forced leave to pave way for investigations into allegations of misappropriated K3 billion from the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF).

According to published reports, Chiwoko was a was arrested on October 21, 2014, for being a suspect of Money Laundering contrary to Section 35 (1) of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Serious Crimes Act.

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Public Relations Officer Egritta Ndala confirmed of the development in an interview with Daily Times of September 23, 2016.

Meanwhile Cedep Executive Director Gift Trapance has ordered MERA board to reverse its decision within a period of seven days.

Trapence has said if the decision is not reversed within the said days he will take the issue to court.

When contacted for comments, MERA’s board Chairperson Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe declined to comment on the matter.