ACB courting Nyasulu to handle Cashgate cases
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is discussing with former Cashgate lead prosecutor Kamudoni Nyasulu over the possibility of prosecuting the cases for the bureau.
ACB spokesperson Egrita Ndala confirmed the bureau was now in talks with the experienced lawyer.
Said Ndala: “The Anti-Corruption Bureau would like to procure the services of Mr. Kamudoni Nyasulu in the prosecution of Cashgate cases because of his vast experience in his handling of Cashgate cases. The bureau is still negotiating with him on the issue. His coming would boost the numbers in the Prosecution and Legal Section as well as provide an opportunity for knowledge transfer with the other prosecutors.”
“Once the negotiations are successfully completed, Mr. Kamudoni Nyasulu’s services to the bureau will be financed by government,” Ndala added.
Our sister paper, The Nation reported on August 20 that court records indicated that former ombudsman Enock Chibwana had replaced Nyasulu as a lead prosecutor in Cashgate cases.
Nyasulu confirmed in an interview that he is being courted, but refused to shed more light on the matter.
“I am aware of this development but can make no comment,” said Nyasulu in a written in response to questions on his exit from the State prosecution and his talks with ACB.
He was initially hired by the European Union (EU) as part of technical assistance to the Ministry of Justice and Constitution Affairs but the contract expired after being renewed.
European Union (EU) head of politics, press and information James Dolan confirmed in an interview that the EU was not renewing Nyasulu’s contract due to its restrictions on contracts durations.
“The EU is committed to the fight against corruption in Malawi. The type of short term contract we had with Mr Nyasulu could, according to our Rules and Procedures, only be extended once (which we did),” said Dolan in a written response.
According to a well-placed source, the Ministry of Justice has failed to meet the perks proposed by the prosecutor.
Minister of Justice Samuel Tembenu pleaded for more time to consult technocrats at the ministry while spokesperson Apoche Itimu was yet to respond to questionnaires on the matter as we went to press.
Some of the Cashgate convicts who were prosecuted by Nyasulu include Victor Sithole currently serving a nine-year sentence, Maxwell Namata, Triza Senzani and Calorine Savala.
After, Senzani’s conviction, there were dramatic scenes at the High Court in Lilongwe. The convict suffered a meltdown and ranted at Nyasulu, accusing him of celebrating her conviction.
