Sulom accused of obtaining K1.6m ‘by false pretence’

The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has been accused of obtaining money amounting to K1.6 million from Silver Strikers FC through ‘false pretence.’

Sulom deducted money amounting to K1.9 million from the cheque issued by TNM as prize money for Silver Strikers for being the 2013-14 champions. The reason for the deduction of the money given to Silver by Sulom is punishment for the violence at Balaka.

According to Sulom, K1.6 million was meant to be paid to Balaka District Council as payment for the fence destroyed during the ill-fated match against Mighty Wanderers.

Balaka District Council finance director Suwedi Paison said they have not received any money from Sulom.

“It has been five months now and we have not been given any money. Last week, we followed it up with Sulom officials [Mr. Patrick Chisale], but he said they have no information. We tried to talk to the general secretary, Mr. Williams Banda, but we hear he is outside the country,” said Paison.

Silver treasurer Fred Kalonga said they were surprised to get a call from Balaka on Monday telling them that the council has not yet received the K1.6 million.

“It is baffling because the reason they gave us to deduct the money was that they wanted to pay Balaka District Council. This is obtaining money by false pretence and it is a crime. The remainder of the K1.9 million they got was meant for the family of Josiah, but we are wondering if the family got the money,” said Kalonga.

Sulom treasurer Tiya Somba Banda said he did issue a cheque to Balaka for maintenance and reconstructing of the perimeter fence and other facilities which got vandalised. “I remember issuing payment in the Balaka determination. But let me check my files and I will come back to you once I have verified,” said Banda.