Hands off relief items—Congoma

By Thabi Mwenifumbo:

Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (Congoma) has asked non-State actors that are involved in Tropical Cyclone Freddy response not to divert, let alone steal, items and cash meant for survivors.

Congoma Chairperson Kossam Munthali said diversion and theft of donations is tantamount to criminality, such that those found indulging in the practice will not be backed by the council.

“Sometimes, when disaster strikes, people take advantage of the situation to divert, or even steal, items or cash. That is not acceptable.

“We, as Congoma, are, therefore asking individuals and organisations to use official channels when making donations so that they are accounted for and, should there be misbehaviour, people involved can be held accountable,” he said.

He further said Congoma has a public duty to complement the government’s efforts in safeguarding people’s rights and improving their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Victor Chipofya, a political analyst and member of the Malawi Land Rover Defender Club, has described Congoma’s message as timely.

He said, while cyclone survivors are experiencing a tough time, some people have been stealing relief items.

Recently, at Manja camp in Blantyre, police arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of some items there.