BLANTYRE – Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has taken a tough stance on corrupt government officials who abused funds meant for the fight against COVID-19 in the southern African nation.
Chakwera announced on Sunday, the findings of a national audit review into the use of public funds for the health system and vowed to make all the looters face justice.
The audit result has seen the Malawi supremo flex his muscle and sacked at least fourteen people, including senior officials who have since been thrown behind bars.
Labour minister Ken Kandodo was relieved of his duties over misuse of at least 6.2 billion kwacha (US$7.95 million) intended for COVID-19 response initiative.
“As I speak, over a dozen individuals suspected of committing the crimes exposed by this audit report have been arrested. There are no sacred cows. If the finger of evidence points to you… you are going to prison,” said Chakwera.
President Chakwera revealed that dismissed Labour minister Kandodo had used 613 000 kwacha from this COVID-19 fund for a foreign trip.
He has since paid back the money but Chakwera vowed he will be punished because his actions meant the fund was not available for its intended purpose when it was needed.
