GOVT ISSUES A FRESH PROBE INTO PRESIDENTIAL JET SALE

Government says it has commissioned new inquiry into the controversial sale of the presidential jet by the Joyce Banda administration.

Former President ’s administration was caught in crossfire with the public following controversial information revealing shabby dealings in the transaction on the sale of the jet.

The jet was bought by late President Bingu wa Mutharika and it attracted widespread criticism from the donor community and local commentators. But the late Mutharika defended his decision saying it was a national asset and will benefit the country.

The former Joyce Banda regime then sold the jet as part of its expenditure control, claiming it was expensive to maintain. The jet was then sold to Virgin Islands Company, Bohnox Enterprise Ltd at around $15m.

And Banda initially affirmed that proceeds from the jet sale would be used to feed the poor and grow crops to fight malnutrition.

However, the jet sale also attracted comments from the public after media reports revealed that the jet was battered in an arms deal, and that the government never realized any financial proceeds from the sale.

Minister of Information Kondwani Nankhumwa told local media that government is currently scrutinizing various documents on the sale of the jet. According to Nankhumwa, the public would be informed about the outcome of the investigations.