K36.7 Billion Greenbelt Authority Scandal: Two More Arrested as ‘Cashgate’ Probe Widens

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has intensified its crackdown on the multi-billion Kwacha “Cashgate” scandal at the Greenbelt Authority (GBA), announcing the arrest of two more high-profile figures.

The bureau confirmed it has taken into custody the GBA Director of Irrigation Operations, Chisomo Kumbuyo, and the Managing Director of PLMB Engineering Investment, Stanley Bakili. The arrests are linked to the alleged embezzlement and mismanagement of K36.7 billion at the state agency.

In a statement released by the bureau, the ACB directed the accused to report to its offices immediately to facilitate legal proceedings and ensure that the due process of the law is followed without delay.

These latest arrests follow a significant breakthrough last Saturday, when the ACB apprehended six other individuals suspected of involvement in the massive financial scam.

The GBA scandal, now being dubbed a major “Cashgate” case, has raised serious concerns regarding the oversight of public funds intended for national irrigation and agricultural development. The ACB has signaled that investigations remain active, with more arrests potentially looming as investigators peel back the layers of the K36.7 billion scheme.

Share With:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Comments

Related News

Graduate Interns Selected as Ministry Begins Deployment

The Ministry of Labour has released the list of successful candidates selected for the 12th cohort of the Graduate Internship Programme, which will run from March 2026 to February 2027. The programme aims to provide recent graduates with practical, hands-on experience in their respective fields. Ministry teams are scheduled to visit various districts to facilitate the signing of contracts and the completion of GP1 forms for the newly recruited interns. Authorities have indicated that a detailed timetable specifying dates and venues for the contract-signing exercise has been prepared to guide the process. The ministry has reminded all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere strictly to the one-year internship policy, stressing that retaining interns beyond the stipulated period is not permitted. In addition, Heads of MDAs have been encouraged to assign interns meaningful responsibilities, provide proper orientation, and support their smooth transition into the workplace to maximize the benefits of the programme. With the announcement of successful candidates already made, the deployment process is now underway.

Lilongwe, Malawi

Malawi Confirms Recovery of Fertilizer Funds Linked to 2022 Supply Scandal

Malawi has recorded a significant development in efforts to restore accountability following the controversial 2022 fertilizer supply deal, with confirmation that funds linked to the scandal have been reimbursed. Former Minister of Information and Digitization, Moses Kunkuyu, has publicly confirmed that 516,975.21 euros have been transferred into the account of the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi. The funds represent reimbursement for money misapplied during the failed fertilizer procurement arrangement that left thousands of smallholder farmers affected and placed the government under intense public scrutiny. Addressing the media, Kunkuyu stated that the confirmation follows formal legal processes involving both Malawian and international authorities. He disclosed that former Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda was officially served with legal documents by the Munich Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Germany, headquartered at Karlstrasse 66, 80335 Munich. According to Kunkuyu, the German authorities initiated legal action to facilitate the release and repatriation of the funds, effectively drawing Malawi’s legal system into an international judicial process aimed at recovering public resources. The development underscores growing cross-border cooperation in addressing financial misconduct linked to public procurement. The confirmation marks a critical step toward transparency and restitution, particularly for smallholder farmers who bore the brunt of the failed fertilizer deal. It also signals renewed commitment by authorities to correct past financial mismanagement and reinforce accountability within the public sector. As legal proceedings continue, the case stands as a notable example of how political oversight, legal enforcement, and international cooperation can converge in the pursuit of financial justice. For Malawi, the recovery of the funds offers both symbolic and practical reassurance that misuse of public resources will not go unchecked.

Lilongwe, Malawi

HSAs in Northern Region Raise Welfare Concerns, Mzimba North DHO Responds

There is growing discontent among Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in Malawi’s Northern Region, particularly at Mzimba North District Health Office (DHO), over allegations of unfair treatment, resource allocation and poor staff welfare management. Khulubvi Online Newspaper has established through its reporter based in Mzuzu that several HSAs have raised concerns regarding how they are treated in the course of their community-based work, accusing authorities responsible for managing and distributing resources of sidelining long-serving officers. One of the key issues raised relates to the recent distribution of bicycles meant to support HSAs in conducting fieldwork. According to the HSAs, the bicycles were allegedly allocated mainly to newly recruited officers — some of whom are said not to have started work — while experienced HSAs who cover long distances daily were reportedly left out. In response, the Director of Health and Sanitation Services for Mzimba North, Dr Wamaka Msopole, said the bicycle distribution was part of a partner-supported initiative targeting hard-to-reach areas. “The recent bicycle distribution exercise was conducted as part of a partner-support initiative aimed at strengthening community outreach in underserved and hard-to-reach areas,” said Dr Msopole. He disclosed that the district received a total of 151 bicycles against an estimated 800 HSAs serving across Mzimba North. Dr Msopole explained that the beneficiaries were selected using predefined criteria that had been communicated in advance. “The criteria for allocation included residence within one’s catchment area, deployment and active work in hard-to-reach areas,” he said, suggesting that not all HSAs could be accommodated due to limited resources. Another serious allegation raised by HSAs is that officers seeking transfers to urban postings are allegedly required to pay bribes of not less than K500,000 to senior officials for their transfers to be approved. This claim has caused outrage among affected HSAs, who say the practice is exploitative and unethical. However, Dr Msopole did not directly comment on the bribery allegations. Instead, he advised that all grievances and complaints should follow formal channels. “When it comes to grievances and complaints, these have to be formally submitted and addressed through the Office of the Ombudsman,” he said. HSAs have also complained about persistent delays in the payment of their allowances, which they say negatively affect their morale and ability to perform their duties effectively. While acknowledging the concerns, the DHO indicated that such issues should be raised formally for appropriate action. On allegations of unfair and unprofessional treatment of junior staff at the District Health Office, Dr Msopole said his office could not respond substantively in the absence of specific incident reports. “The office is not able to answer allegations of maltreatment of junior staff as there has been no specific incident formally reported by staff,” he said. Meanwhile, HSAs in the district have called for transparency, fairness and improved communication between management and frontline health workers, warning that unresolved welfare issues could compromise service delivery at community level. Khulubvi Online Newspaper will continue to follow developments on this matter to ensure accountability and balanced reporting.

Mzuzu, Malawi

Blantyre Archdiocese Mourns Veteran Clergyman Fr. Bernard Timothy Tiyesi

The Archdiocese of Blantyre is in mourning following the death of one of its most senior and long-serving priests, Reverend Father Bernard Timothy Tiyesi, who passed away on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026. Fr. Tiyesi died at Blantyre Adventist Hospital while receiving treatment, just eight months shy of his 72nd birthday. His passing was confirmed to the press by the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese, Very Reverend Father Gerald Buleya. The Archdiocese has announced that the late Fr. Tiyesi will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 24, 2024, at the Limbe Cathedral. The service is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at the Limbe Cathedral Cemetery. Born on September 11, 1954, in Nguludi, Chiradzulu District, Fr. Tiyesi was a pillar of the Catholic community for over four decades. According to Archdiocese Spokesperson Father Frank Mwinganyama, he was ordained into the priesthood on October 3, 1982, by the late Archbishop James Chiona. Throughout his 43-year ministry, Fr. Tiyesi served a diverse array of communities and held significant administrative and spiritual roles. He served as a parish priest at Mendulo, Neno, Mwanga, Nthawira, Nyungwe, Bangwe, Gambula, and Ntenje. He contributed his service to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Special Chaplaincies: He was the dedicated Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and served as the Chaplain of Pilgrimages. At the time of his passing, he was the Parish Priest at Mzedi Parish in Blantyre. Known for his deep spirituality and steady leadership, Fr. Tiyesi was regarded as one of the “elders” of the Archdiocese. His death marks the end of an era for many parishioners who grew up under his guidance across the numerous parishes he served. The Catholic faithful and the general public are expected to gather in large numbers this Saturday to pay their final respects to a man whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the people of Malawi.

Blantyre, Malawi