Tractorgate scandal: Nyandule Phiri, Chiunda slapped with 12 months suspended sentence

The High Court in Lilongwe has sentenced two Principal Secretaries for Agriculture and Finance to nine months imprisonment but suspended the sentence to 24 months for contempt of court.

The two, Grey Nyandule Phiri of Ministry of Agriculture and Cliff Chiunda of Finance violated section 12 of the Constitutional according to Judge Charles Ching’anya Mkandawire.

Judge Mkandawire said the punishment on contempt of Court is Invoked to uphold the dignity of the Court.

Mkandawire added that the two failed to comply with the court order despite being advised to make the public apology.

According to Mkandawire, the Ombudsman also tried to remind the two that the 60 days time frame given by Supreme Court to make the public apology is coming to an end but they still choose not to apologise.