Leader of Opposition (LoP) Kondwani Nankhumwa has joined a ring of politicians in the country who abuse their powers after it has been revealed that he bought institutional houses, belonging to the Tobacco Commission (TC), illegally.
The Tobacco Commission is a statutory corporate body formed in 1938, and regulated by the Tobacco Industry Act of 2019 and, as such, Nyasa Times understands, Nankhumwa ought to have followed proper procedures in acquiring a property belonging to it.
Kondwani Nankhumwa
‘Named and Shamed’
According to a report released by the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, and signed by former Ombudsman Martha Chizuma who is now Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general, Nankhumwa’s purchase of the house had numerous irregularities.
For how long will tobacco farmers cry over poor prices in Malawi? maravipost.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from maravipost.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
“it is a crime to buy tobacco from growers and vendors without a buyer’s license.”
Mkukula Magistrates Court has sentenced four tobacco vendors to pay K150,000 each or if in default, serve 18 months in prison with hard labour for buying tobacco without license.
Senior Resident Magistrate Cecilia Onsewa in her ruling she said the offence committed was so serious and attract penalty of up to K10 Million or five years in prison.
Onsewa observed that the court considered some factors, which include the fact that the accused were the first offenders and that they pleaded guilty to the offence hence the the reduced sentencing.
Malawi: Norway Partners ILO to Improve Working Conditions in Malawi s Tobacco Industry allafrica.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from allafrica.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Government of Norway and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Tuesday signed a partnership agreement for a new development cooperation project to improve working conditions and access to rights in Malawi’s tobacco sector.
A mother carrying her baby on her back while working in tobacco fields in Kasungu. Picture by ILO
Okutho, ILO’ Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
A statement from the Norwegian Embassy in Lilongwe and the ILO says the overall objective of the new project is to support the Government of Malawi and employers’ and workers’ organizations in the country to effectively address decent work deficits in the tobacco sector.