HRDC Condemns Planned K5.4 Billion MRA Security Contracts
Published on December 30, 2025 at 12:37 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has raised concern over reports that the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) plans to award security service contracts worth about K5.4 billion to three companies, two of which are allegedly owned by serving Cabinet ministers.
The concerns are contained in a statement issued by the coalition in response to a public notice published in a local newspaper.
The notice indicates that MRA intends to award a 24-month contract for the provision of security services.
HRDC says the move is a serious violation of constitutional principles, public ethics and the rule of law.
The coalition argues that the development reinforces what it describes as a deeply entrenched culture of state capture.
HRDC further noted that it is a matter of public record that MRA previously arrested and prosecuted the owner of Masters Security Services for allegedly forging tax clearance certificates.
The statement says it is morally indefensible and institutionally reckless for an authority mandated to enforce tax compliance to award a lucrative public contract to the same company, regardless of the status of the court case.
