The conduct of the police in the ongoing case of the maize smuggling syndicate to neighbouring countries has raised eyebrows as it has emerged that they are yet to record caution statements from some of the suspects.
Due to the development, the hearing of the case, in which over six suspects were expected to appear before the court, failed to take place in Karonga yesterday.
This comes amidst finger-pointing at the law enforcers for their failure to crack down on the syndicate during the last two months despite numerous reports.
This has raised speculations that the men in uniform could be shielding some of the culprits. The Daily Times has established that some suspects are high-profile public officers, politicians and businesspeople.
Lead prosecutor in the case, Christopher Katani, confirmed that almost a week after the vehicles were impounded, the law enforcers in the district are yet to record caution statements from the drivers, contrary to standard procedure.
However, Karonga Police spokesperson Enock Livason said the delay has come about because the drivers are not being cooperative.
“They are protesting that the owners of the grain should be answerable and not them since they are mere messengers and workers,” said Livason, who could not explain why the drivers are not in police custody.
He, however, added that none of the drivers has told the police names of the traders behind the illegal maize trade.
At the time the court proceedings were set to begin yesterday, the drivers gathered at the office of Karonga District Commissioner Richard Hara asking him to mediate in the matter.
Hara refused to grant an interview when we sought his comments.
Rights activist Grecian Mbewe of Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation in Karonga described the police’s conduct as a betrayal to the nation and justice delivery.
He said: “Maize going out of the country should be a concern to every well-meaning Malawians, and the police are expected to treat this matter with utmost seriousness for the sake of safeguarding this country from man-made food insecurity.”
Hearing of the case started in Chitipa on Tuesday, where Chief Resident Magistrate for the North, Texious Masoamphambe, heard testimonies from five witnesses against seven suspects.
They are being charged with attempt to export the maize which is in conflict with Section 3 of the Special Crops Act.
The 21 trucks were intercepted at Lufita, Chtipa Boma and Kapoka in Chitipa and Karonga Boma, on suspicion that the maize was destined for Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Tanzania where it is said there is huge demand for the grain.
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