The High Court in Blantyre has granted an ex parte injunction to Blantyre Water Board Chief Executive Officer Yeremia Chihana, stopping his suspension, just hours after the board moved to remove him from his position.
In the ruling delivered Tuesday evening, Justice Allan Hans Muhome also granted Chihana leave to apply for judicial review, with the court order immediately staying the suspension and all actions arising from it.
“The permission granted herein shall operate forthwith as a stay of the decision suspending the Claimant from duty as Chief Executive Officer of Blantyre Water Board and of all consequential directions, restrictions and implementation steps arising from the suspension letter dated 27 April 2026, pending determination of the substantive judicial review proceedings or further order of the Court,” reads part of the order.
The Blantyre Water Board had earlier suspended Chihana pending a disciplinary hearing over several allegations, including claims that he caused the arrests and detention of acting directors without the board’s knowledge.
Board chairperson Stanley Chirwa said the decision was made during an extraordinary meeting of the human resources and administrative committee.
However, sources indicate the suspension may be linked to Chihana’s alleged refusal to approve a US$2 million contract, reportedly worth over K3.5 billion, involving a company previously associated with a fertiliser scandal and said to have links to State House.
According to the sources, Chihana was questioned over his refusal to “follow orders” to award the tender.
The court’s ruling means Chihana remains in his position pending the outcome of the judicial review proceedings.
