Tributes have started pouring in for former Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Alexius Nampota who died aged 60 at Blantyre Adventist Hospital on Saturday.

In an interview yesterday, Nampota’s son Tiwali said his father died at 9pm, a few hours after he was taken ill.

Died on Saturday in Blantyre: Nampota

He said the renowned lawyer and prosecutor was complaining of wrist and calf pain.

Tiwali said: “The pain became more intense at around 8pm when he was transferred to the ICU [intensive care unit] and was shortly pronounced dead. That was at 9pm Saturday night.

“We are devastated and it has been a tragic loss for the family. He was an adviser to many and his wisdom and encouragement will be missed. Through Christ, his legacy will live on.”

Malawi Law Society (MLS) president Patrick Mpaka described Nampota’s death as “an extensive loss”, saying he was a rare breed in legal industry.

He said while Nampota was into private practice he made himself available for public service; hence, served the ACB twice.

“He was the epitome of professionalism so far as integrity, humility and respect for fellow lawyers of all age groups is concerned but without ever departing from his duties to his clients and to the law,” said Mpaka.

Former Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda (retired) expressed shock yesterday with Nampota’s demise, saying he was a strong-minded person in the legal profession.

He said Nampota was a man of strong uprightness and that he will be remembered as a skilful defender of the rule of law who championed a number of reforms at ACB in the fight against corruption.

Said Nyirenda: “Ooh! He is no more? Ooh my God. In my time as a Chief Justice I will remember him as a forthright lawyer who inspired many. He was a truly professional inspiration to a lot of lawyers both young and old.”

On his part, Dean of Law at Catholic University of Malawi John Gift Mwakhwawa said Nampota’s death is a huge loss to the legal profession and nation as a whole, as he was a “humble and monumental” lawyer who has served his country diligently.

In his tribute, Patrice Nkhono who once worked with Nampota at Wilson & Morgan, said he learnt a lot from the deceased. 

“Alex had this intensely measured, methodical and meticulous approach to work delivered with a high sense of integrity that when you were around him, it never failed to rub off. I will sorely miss Alex Ernest Nampota.”

Nampota’s remains will be buried tomorrow in Luchenza, Thyolo District. Vigil is taking place at his residence in Namiwawa in Blantyre.

Born on May 11 1962, Nampota became a lawyer in 1987 after graduating from Chancellor College. He first worked with the Ministry of Justice before joining Wilson and Morgan.

Former president Bakili Muluzi then appointed him as ACB deputy director during his regime.

He established his law firm Nampota & Company in 2004 before former president Bingu wa Mutharika appointed him as ACB director general where he served up to 2013.

Some of the notable cases which Nampota was handling include that of businessperson Thom Mpinganjira’s bail pending appeal which he won, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services procurement contracts case involving businessperson Abdul Karim Batatawala and three others,  and Presscane ownership case between Press Corporation Limited and  Rolf Patel and others which he won two weeks ago.

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