Admarc officials in whipping scam

As nearly three million Malawians face hunger, Mzimba residents are allegedly being subjected to brutal lashes while queueing for maize at the district’s Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) Depot where the grain’s supply is erratic.

Slightly over 216 000 Malawians are affected by the prevailing food shortage in Mzimba, the second worst hit district after Chikwawa where 225 000 face hunger due to floods that devastated fields early this year.

The locals, who congest the sole vibrant market in the vast district as early as 3am have to endure whips from security personnel as they line up for no more than 20 kilogrammes of maize each.

“The depots are few and far apart, leaving those from far travelling there before the cock crows. We arrive there around 4am, but Admarc officials lock us out until 9 am when they start selling the grain.

“When they finally open the gates, we all rush in and such is the scramble for a turn that latecomers find themselves in front of early birds in the queue. If we step aside to complain, security agents whip us.”

The citizens spoke of the beatings on Tuesday when Mzimba South Civil Society Organisation Network (Mzisonet) organised an interface on the right to food.

The network’s chairperson Jones Moyo said it was disappointing that Admarc officials were absent despite being offered invitations and a vehicle to take part in the meeting.

In an interview, Admarc regional manager North Japhet Dindi was surprised with the claims, saying a recent inspection showed there was order in almost all markets in the North.

Lusungu Mwale, a security sergeant at Mzimba Admarc, confirmed whipping some clients allegedly to protect pregnant women, children and the elderly. n