ACB Probes Fuel Contract Irregularities Following CDEDI’s Query

By IOMMIE CHIWALO
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has confirmed that it has indeed launched an investigation into the awarding of a $25 million fuel contract to Savari Energy, a company linked to Zuneth Sattar, who is facing corruption charges in the United Kingdom (UK).

In a response letter to the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives CDEDI which wrote the graft bursting body requesting for eligibility of the company in question, ACB Acting Director Gabriel Chembezi acknowledged commencement of the investigation.

“We have instituted an investigation and our investigators will contact you for further information,” reads the letter from Chembezi addressed to CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.

Recently Malawians were shocked to learn that National Oil Company of Malawi NOCMA has awarded a multibillion dollar fuel contract to Zuneth Sattar who was barred from trading with Malawi government due to procurement flows.

The contract, awarded by NOCMA involves supplying 100,000 metric tons of fuel through the port of Beira.

Zuneth Sattar is facing 18 corruption charges in the UK related to alleged bribes paid to Malawian officials to secure government contracts.

CDEDI on several occasions has made it clear its side against corruption saying a letter to authorities was part of exercising it’s watchdog role in pursuit of transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile the ACB, according to its response to CDEDI, upon reviewing the complaint, the investigation is underway with an expectation of providing feedback in due course.