Probe on match-fixing at advanced stage

The commission of enquiry instituted by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) to investigate match-fixing allegations against Silver Strikers and an Escom United player, has said the probe is drawing towards the end.

Lawyer Benard Ndau, who is chairing the commission, said on Sunday hearing of the enquiry will be completed by Sunday.

“We should have the final hearing this coming Sunday. Thereafter, we will deliberate the evidence and come up with a report that we will submit to Sulom,” said Ndau.

He appealed to those that might have information relating to the case to contact either the commission or Sulom secretariat.

Sulom president Innocent Bottomani also confirmed that investigations are at an advanced stage.

“Sulom would like to thank all who have cooperated with the commission in appearing before it and providing evidence and urges all those who may have any information relating to the allegations to contact our secretariat or the head of the commission of enquiry.

“Sulom would like to assure the public that the results of the investigations will be made public once the commission finalises its work,” said Bottomani.

Last week, Mighty Wanderers FC threatened not take part in the forthcoming Super League season unless the issue is resolved.

However, Sulom said it would not be intimidated by the Nomads’ threat.

Part of the letter from Wanderers, signed by general secretary and legal adviser David Kanyenda, reads: “In our view, the league cannot start before the conclusion of this matter [and] we believe that this view is shared by other teams.”

Wanderers further wondered why the investigation has taken sometime “when Sulom proceeded with ruthless efficiency to punish us for the violence that occurred during our [Super League] game and within a week, they banned us.”

Sulom instituted a commission of enquiry following a report carried by The Daily Times that the Bankers’ general secretary Owen Munthali and executive committee member Martin Chibweya allegedly conspired with Escom United defender Chipiliro Jose to influence the results of their last season decisive TNM Super League match against Escom United. Silver won the game 1-0 to win the championship.