via Search for wa Mutharika’s loot on – NewZimbabwe 18/01/2016
MALAWI’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has reportedly revealed that investigations into the funds of former president, the late Bingu wa Mutharika, are still under way.
According to Nyasa Timnes, the investigation would be limited to Mutharika’s children, namely his son Madalitso, and daughters, Duwa and Tapiwa.
Current President Peter Mutharika will not be investigated, because he has presidential immunity from investigations and prosecution.
The ACB said it was waiting for information about an account that Mutharika opened in Jersey, Europe, in order to investigate if fraudulent activities had taken place.
“The bureau is still waiting for the information so that it can proceed as appropriate. The bureau was looking for information on the bank [account] and property,” ACB spokesperson Egrita Ndala is quoted as saying.
Bingu wa Mutharika’s wealth was investigated after his death when opposition members of parliament demanded to know how he had accumulated K61 billion during his time in government. They claimed that the money was taken from the public.
Mutharika’s political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has countered this argument, saying it was possible for Mutharika to obtain the wealth through the work he did with international organisations.
Mutharika died in April 2012 after he suffered a heart attack at age 78 while he was still in power. He was also a former African Union chairperson.
COMMENTS
There are no presidential immunities anywhere against investigation – only against prosecution. Any president can be investigated with the intention of prosecuting him once his presidential term has ended. It is this sort of ignorant reporting that assists these people to get away with their crimes.