Anti-Corruption Bureau Arrests Businessman in Lilongwe

For Immediate Release





On 10th February, 2014 the Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested Mr. Philbert Mkandawire Managing Director of Mahembe Civil Engineering in relation to the ongoing cash gate investigations. It is suspected that Mr. Philbert Mkandawire obtained K15, 728, 541.00 from Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for services which were not rendered.



He was taken before the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe. He was charged with three counts of money laundering contrary to Section 35(C) of the Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act; and three counts of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code.



He pleaded not guilty to all the counts. He was granted bail on the following conditions:



The accused to surrender a cash bond of MK2,000,000.00 to the Court;

The accused to furnish two sureties bonded at MK1,000,000.00 cash each;

The accused to be reporting at the ACB Offices twice a week;

The accused to surrender a travel document to the Bureau; and

The accused not to leave Lilongwe without the ACB’s Director General.



He failed to meet the stipulated monetary condition as part of the bail conditions. As such, he was taken to Maula Prison on remand.



The matter has been adjourned to 4th March, 2014 for the State for commencement of trial.







EGRITA M. NDALA

SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FOR: DIRECTOR GENERAL