The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested two Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councillors from Mulanje in connection with abuse of Local Development Fund (LDF) money.
The councillors, Biston Chikadewa of Nambilanje Ward and Samuel Makwinja of Chambe Ward, were arrested on Tuesday alongside Newbry Winiko, Chairperson of Village Development Committee (VDC) in Chambe Ward.
On Wednesday, the ACB also arrested Isaac Beston and Robert White, Village Development Commi t tee member s in Nambilanje Ward.
The arrests have come after the ACB instituted an investigation following a complaint it received in September, 2016.
According to the ACB, the complaint alleged abuse of LDF in Masaf 4 projects meant for rehabilitation of roads, fish ponds and afforestation at Mulanje District Council.
“The two councillors and two Village Development Committee members are likely to be charged with abuse of office, theft, forgery and uttering a false document contrary to Section 25B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act, 278, 358 and 360 of the Penal Code respectively,” reads a statement from ACB Senior Public Relations Officer Egrita Ndala.
It says Winiko is facing the charge of aiding and abetting a public officer to abuse public office contrary to Section 35 of the Corrupt Practices Act.
The ACB says the five will appear in court after the Bureau has recorded statements from them.
Last month, the Bureau also arrested former Mangochi District Commissioner, Jack Ngulube, now in Mwanza over LDF funds.
Other people arrested in connection with the issue were Vincent Morris Mpighu, owner of Morrison Electrical and General Supplies, Michael Khoko District Procurement Officer for Mangochi District Council and Arnold Chitenjere, Fisheries Assistant for Mangochi District.
The ACB also arrested Monica Mazuwa, Inspectorate Officer at Mangochi Fisheries. They were released on bail.
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