The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested acting registrar of the Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Lilongwe Brian Katimba for allegedly soliciting K100 000 (US$246) from two Burundian nationals after they were awarded damages in an unfair dismissal claim.
The ACB caught Katimba red-handed.
ACB senior public relations officer Egrita Ndala said in response to an e-mailed questionnaire that the ACB received a complaint alleging that Katimba was soliciting bribes from Burundian nationals, Caleb Gahembe and Pascal Ndayisenge, who had sued the Jesuit Relief Services for unfair dismissal.
“They were awarded K300 000 each as compensation by the court. It was alleged that the registrar demanded some money from the Burundians for transport,” she said.
Acting on the complaint, the ACB arrested Katimba soon after he had received K100 000 from the Burundians.
Katimba has since been charged with two counts of corrupt practices by public officer contrary to Section 24(1) of the Corrupt Practices Act and one count of abuse of office contrary to Section 25B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
The High Court in Lilongwe yesterday granted bail to Katimba and hearing of the case is expected soon.
