NACA urges swift prosecution of corruption cases to restore public confidence

The National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) has renewed calls for Malawi’s justice system to expedite investigations and prosecution of corruption cases, warning that the country risks losing public trust if cases continue to drag on for years without conclusion.

NACA Chairperson Moses Mkandawire said delays in handling corruption matters, some stretching up to a decade undermine the nation’s commitment to fighting graft and weaken deterrence against would-be offenders.

Mkandawire stressed that the prolonged pace of justice sends the wrong message.

“it hurts to see that a case takes five years, ten years without any conclusion on the matter. That shows that we are not serious when it comes to the fight against corruption,” he said.

He warned that Malawi, already struggling with limited resources, cannot afford such losses.

According to Mkandawire, the country’s small economic base is being depleted by corruption, particularly in the procurement sector where he estimates that 30% of public resources are siphoned off into private pockets.

“That is very dangerous. That is a security risk that ought to be addressed,” he added.

Mkandawire said speeding up investigations, taking suspects to court promptly, and concluding cases swiftly is essential to restoring confidence and strengthening accountability. He emphasized that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) plays a crucial role and must be fully supported to carry out its mandate effectively.

He said prompt justice would also enhance deterrence.
“We ought to ensure speedy handling of cases so it can provide a deterrence to those that would want to be involved in corruption,” he said.

NACA is calling on all arms of government including the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and oversight institutions to prioritize corruption cases, arguing that doing so is vital to protecting national resources and safeguarding Malawi’s stability.