Pressure is mounting on authorities as questions intensify over the lack of arrests in the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, a transaction that has already exposed billions of kwacha in suspicious movements.
Political and social commentator Suleman Chitera has come out strongly, demanding immediate action from both the police and the government, arguing that the continued inaction is eroding public trust and exposing a worrying culture of impunity.
Speaking amid growing public outrage, Chitera questioned why, despite revelations that at least K72 billion linked to the deal has been traced—with some funds frozen and others preserved—no individual has been held accountable.
“It is unacceptable that such a massive financial scandal can unfold in broad daylight and yet no one is being arrested. What more evidence do the authorities need?” he charged.
The deal, involving the Public Service Pension Trust Fund’s purchase of the luxury hotel, has been widely criticized for alleged irregularities and defiance of regulatory directives. The Reserve Bank of Malawi had earlier fined trustees K40 million each and ordered a reversal of the transaction within seven days—an order that appears to have been ignored.
Chitera warned that failure to act decisively risks sending a dangerous message that those in positions of power are above the law.
“Malawians are watching. If this case ends without arrests, it will confirm what many already fear—that there is selective justice in this country,” he said.
He further called on law enforcement agencies to demonstrate independence and professionalism, stressing that this is a defining moment in the fight against corruption.
“This is not just about a hotel deal. This is about accountability, governance, and whether our institutions have the courage to protect public resources,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities have remained largely silent on the matter, offering no clear timeline on possible arrests or prosecutions, even as investigations reportedly continue.
With public patience wearing thin, the spotlight is now firmly on the police and government to act—or risk deepening a crisis of confidence that could have far-reaching political and economic consequences.
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