Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
Attorney General Frank Mbeta has distanced himself from the controversial K128.75 billion acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel, shifting responsibility to trustees of the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) for engaging an unqualified firm to carry out the property valuation.
Appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mbeta said the trustees were best placed to answer for the decision to hire EMJ Advisory Public Accountants, which has since admitted it is not a registered property valuer.
Mbeta maintained that his involvement was limited and based strictly on the information available to him at the time, including a complaint lodged by the Malawi Law Society. He stressed that he did not have full facts when the transaction was being processed.
The PAC is currently probing the circumstances surrounding the high-value purchase of the Blantyre-based hotel, a deal that has triggered widespread scrutiny over governance and accountability within the pension fund.
He accused the trustees of failing to conduct adequate due diligence, a lapse that has now become central to the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has already intervened by quarantining K70 billion linked to the transaction, effectively freezing the funds amid mounting concerns over the handling of the deal.
Despite the controversy, Mbeta told the committee that the information before him does not point to corruption or collusion. However, he raised questions over the legality of the central bank’s actions, querying whether RBM obtained a court order before freezing the funds.
He added that a definitive legal opinion could only be formed once all relevant facts surrounding the transaction are fully established.
The investigation continues as lawmakers push for accountability in one of the most contentious public fund transactions in recent years.
- Malawi to Invite Bids for Third Mobile Network Operator to Boost Competition
Share Listen to this article By Burnett Munthali The Malawi Government has announced plans to invite bids for a third mobile network operator as part of its strategy to enhance competition and improve telecommunications services across the country. Read moreMACRA revokes licencesThe initiative is expected to attract a credible investor capable of expanding mobile network… - Chitera Calls for Probe After 70 Metric Tonnes of ADMARC Maize Rot at Liwonde Depot
Share Listen to this article By Staff Reporter A Chiradzulu-based activist and political commentator Suleman Atupele Chitera has called for an independent investigation into the loss of 70 metric tonnes of maize that reportedly rotted at an ADMARC storage facility in Liwonde, saying those responsible must be held accountable. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case… - ADMARC Confirms 70 Metric Tonnes of Maize rot at Liwonde Depot
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter LILONGWE — The Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has confirmed that 70 metric tonnes of maize have spoled at its storage facility in Liwonde, Machinga District. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentADMARC Chief Executive Officer Ben Botolo confirmed the development, saying the damaged maize… - Malawi Electoral Commission to Lead SADC Observer Mission for Zambia’s 2026 General Election
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has been appointed to lead the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) Election Observer Mission for Zambia’s 2026 General Election, in a significant endorsement of Malawi’s growing reputation in electoral management across the Southern African region. Read moreSattar Ready To Stand… - Rumphi Farmers Urged to Adopt Climate-Smart Practices Ahead of Predicted Low Rainfall Season
Share Listen to this article By Burnett Munthali Farmers in Rumphi District have been urged to embrace soil and water conservation measures as part of efforts to protect agricultural production amid forecasts of below-normal rainfall during the 2026/27 growing season. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentRumphi District Commissioner Thomas Chigwenembe has called on… - MRA Nears E-Invoicing Registration Target as Revenue Collections Surpass Goal
Share Listen to this article By Staff Reporter The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says it is closing in on its target of registering 9,000 taxpayers under the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), with 8,428 businesses already enrolled, describing the progress as a strong indication that businesses are increasingly embracing the digital tax platform. Read moreMACRA revokes… - FAM Honours FIFA President Infantino with Special Scorchers JerseyShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has presented a limited-edition Scorchers jersey to FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a gesture of appreciation for FIFA’s continued support towards the development of women’s football in Malawi. Read moreSulom, clubs unite on broadcasting rightsThe presentation took place during…
- PIL Pumps K17 Million into Solar Water Project for Dedza School
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Students and teachers at Kasumbu Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Dedza can now look forward to reliable access to clean and safe water following the commissioning of a K17 million solar-powered water system by Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL). Read moreComesa Competition Commission Celebrates 10th anniversaryThe project,… - Will Benjamin Netanyahu Be Arrested if He Travels to the United States?
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains at the center of international legal and diplomatic debate following the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant against him over allegations related to the war in Gaza. Read moreSattar Ready To Stand Before Court Of Law And Prove… - Mkaka Questions K100 Billion Maize Loan, Says Parliament Was BypassedShare Listen to this article By Staff Reporter A heated debate erupted in the National Assembly after Lilongwe Mpenu Member of Parliament Eisenhower Mkaka questioned the government’s reported procurement of K100 billion for maize purchases, arguing that the money was obtained through a loan from FDH Bank without parliamentary approval. Read moreMkaka: No one meets…
- Government Responds as Nkhatabay Kasasile Families walk to Lilongwe
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has confirmed that a group of displaced families from Kasasile in Nkhata Bay is travelling to Lilongwe to present their concerns over their relocation, assuring the public that government is actively engaging all relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter.… - Sameer Suleman Hailed as Model of Good Leadership
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Many people across Malawi have begun praising Speaker of the National Assembly, Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, describing him as a patriotic and visionary leader whose commitment to national unity, transparency and responsible governance continues to inspire confidence. Read moreBiography of Colleen Pempho ZambaThe growing praise follows a… - Mzuzu City Hammers Face Home Support Dilemma as Experts Urge Return to Mzuzu StadiumShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Sports analysts have urged Mzuzu City Hammers to return to Mzuzu Stadium, warning that continued use of Rumphi Stadium as their home ground could weaken the club’s long-term fan base and commercial growth despite positive results on the pitch. Read moreSulom, clubs unite on broadcasting rightsThe Northern…
- Dr. Imran Sheriff Expresses Interest in Leading Muslim Association of Malawi
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter Dr. Imran Sheriff has emerged as one of the individuals being discussed as a potential candidate for the position of Chairperson of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM). Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentSupporters describe Dr. Sheriff as an experienced and dedicated leader who has… - Malawians deserve results, not costly advice, says Muluzi
Share Listen to this article By Aubrey Thom Vakhani United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has criticised President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s move to seek help from the Tony Blair Institute nearly a year into his administration. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentIn a statement, Muluzi asked what would be different this time,… - China to Deliver First Tranche of US$3 Million Emergency Aid to Malawi in November
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Chinese Government has announced that the first tranche of its additional US$3 million emergency assistance package for Malawi will begin arriving in November, reinforcing Beijing’s commitment to supporting the country’s humanitarian and development needs. Read moreAnti Corruption Bureau Search the office for Dipak Jevant /Sealand investments… - Chithyola to Take Plea in K29.5 Billion Corruption Case on August 7
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter Former Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda is expected to appear before the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court on August 7, 2026, to take plea in a corruption case involving the alleged abuse of public office over approximately K29.5 billion in extra-budgetary funding for… - 200 Nkhatabay Kasasile Families Walk to Lilongwe Seeking Government Action
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Nearly 200 displaced residents from Kasasile in Nkhata Bay District have embarked on a long journey on foot to Capital Hill in Lilongwe in a desperate bid to force government authorities to address their unresolved resettlement concerns. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentThe group, made…
