Longer wait for Anti-Corruption Bureau investigations
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has blamed the second wave of Covid-19 for slowing down the institution’s investigations into three regional football associations.
ACB stopped Central Region Football Association (CRFA), Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) and Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) on bribery claims during the nomination process.
The anti-graft body’s spokesperson Egrita Ndala said they were facing challenges to conclude the investigations due to various factors.
“The investigations are ongoing. We have been delayed by the festive holiday and the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic. We might not be able to give actual timeframe as to when we will conclude the investigations,” he said.
Meanwhile, SRFA Chairperson Raphael Humba has confirmed that some of the association’s members met with ACB officials for questioning.
“Our General Secretary Dyles Kachala and the Vice GS Kingsley Simbeyi have been to ACB offices for questioning. I can also confirm that all the 13 districts in the South were approached for questioning. I am yet to be interviewed me in Balaka. I must admit though that they phoned me in December, when it was agreed that I be interviewed this month [January],” he said.
NRFA Masiya Nyasulu said they were cooperating with ACB’s investigators.
“I am aware they [ACB officials] have been working in Nkhata Bay recently on a fact finding mission. Last week, they met with our Chairperson Lameck Khonje before summoning me to their offices. We had fruitful discussions. We have been cooperative and we are now waiting to hear from them,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam), at its first executive meeting at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi District last week, agreed to extend the mandate for all the three regional affiliates until ACB concludes its investigations.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.
