CSOs obtain injunction restraining Chaponda from discharging his duties as Minister over Zambia maize deal

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by youth activist Charles Kajoloweka have applied for an injunction at Mzuzu High Court restraining Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Dr. George Chaponda from discharging his duties as Minister until investigations are concluded in the procurement of maize from Zambia.

The development comes barely days after Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) board sent its Chief Executive Officer Foster Mulumbe on forced leave.

In the application, the CSOs under the Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central African Presbytery (CCAP) have also asked for judicial review on the matter.

“If leave to move for judicial review is granted, then the same should operate as an interlocutory injunction restraining Chaponda from discharging his duties as a cabinet minister pending a further order of this court,” reads in part the file.

Meanwhile the newly appointed Judge John Chirwa is expected to make a ruling on the application on Thursday morning.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed a commission of inquiry on January 1, 2017 to investigate the whole process of the Zambia maize gate which is believed to have been procured at an exorbitant price due to the use of the middlemen.

The Commission of inquiry which is led by former Chief Justice Anastazia Msosa retired is scheduled to report to the President with its findings this month end.