Bendulo turns fire on Zamba, accuses her of land scandal, undermining Chakwera’s leadership

Anthony Bendulo, the ICT specialist who shot to national attention as a key witness for the UTM and MCP in the 2019 elections constitutional case, has now turned his fire on one of President Lazarus Chakwera’s top aides, Colleen Zamba, Secretary to the President and Cabinet.

Through a series of sharp Facebook posts, Bendulo has accused Zamba of orchestrating what he calls a “fraudulent” giveaway of prime government land to an Indian company, free of charge, despite its estimated value of K130 billion.

“Mukamadya Nsima Kumeneko Mudziwe Mayi Collen Zamba anapeleka Malo a 130 Billion Kwa Amwenye Ulele in the name of Investors. (When you eat Nsima, know that Mrs. Colleen Zamba gave away land worth K130 Billion to some Indians, free of charge in the name of Investors),” he wrote.
The land in question, according to Bendulo, is a 417-hectare tract in Lilongwe’s Area 55, also known as Magwero. He claims Zamba pushed for the land to be transferred at no cost to an Indian investor, and when some officials at the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) resisted, she dismissed them.

Bendulo alleges that Zamba declined to renew the contract of then-MITC CEO Paul Kwengwere, replacing him with Kruger Phiri “without any process, no interview,” to facilitate the transaction. He further claims the investor sought a 99-year lease, well beyond the 50 years allowed by law.

“These Patriotic Individuals have become victims to Coreen Zamba’s greed, for refusing to do what she was forcing them to do,” he added. “Kruger Phiri showed up Ku MITC soon after the CEO was removed, presented himself as the New CEO, later they advertised his position whilst he was already there because they had issues with several financial procedures. Certain things require boards minutes on recruitment which they didn’t have.”

The ICT guru, who insists he remains an MCP loyalist, accuses Zamba of a string of missteps that have tarnished Chakwera’s administration.

“Mongokumbutsana ine Ndi Wa MCP Ndipo Boma Ndilomweli, Koma SPC Tikusintha Chifukwa uyu wavulaza Ntchito Zabwino Za Apule. (Just to remind you, I am an MCP member and the government is the same, but we are changing the SPC because she has harmed the good works of the president),” he stated.

Bendulo also claims he is now facing retaliation for his revelations, alleging that individuals “from Dubai” have tried to hack his phone, but said he will not be silenced.