Two high-ranking officials, National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) CEO Humphreys Mdyetseni and Department of Irrigation engineer Anderson Mbozi, have been charged with abuse of office and money laundering at Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court.
The charges stem from alleged misappropriation of about K11 billion between April 2024 and 2025, with Mdyetseni facing two counts of abuse of office and both accused of money laundering.
The abuse charges include the alleged unfair dismissal of personal assistant Prisca Mtewa, who received K150 million, and the purchase of two buildings worth K1.6 billion each without following procurement procedures, raising concerns about corruption and misuse of public funds.
The court granted bail to the accused after the state did not object, but asked for strict conditions to ensure their presence in future court proceedings.
Magistrate Shukulani Kumbani ordered each accused to pay K1 million cash bail, provide one surety bonded at K10 million, declare property worth at least K80 million, surrender travel documents, and report to police every two weeks, a move seen as an attempt to prevent further alleged wrongdoing.
The court has directed the state to provide disclosures by March 16, paving the way for the trial to proceed and shedding light on the alleged corruption scandal.
Mdyetseni has served as NEEF CEO since 2020, overseeing its transition from the former Malawi Enterprise Development Fund, and his tenure has been marked by controversy and allegations of corruption.
The charges against Mdyetseni and Mbozi are a significant development in Malawi’s fight against corruption, and the outcome of the trial will be closely watched by the public and anti-corruption advocates.
The alleged corruption scandal has raised concerns about the management of public funds and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government institutions.
The case highlights the importance of robust anti-corruption measures and the need for institutions to be vigilant in preventing and investigating alleged wrongdoing.
As the trial proceeds, Malawians will be watching closely to see justice served and to ensure that those responsible for alleged corruption are held accountable.
