Malawi’s socialite and writer Pemphero Mphande has lambasted President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for pardoning former Minister of Homeland Security Uladi Mussa.

Uladi was in 2020 sentenced to five years imprisonment alongside former regional Immigration officer David Kwanjana and businessperson Peter Katasya.

But Chakwera pardoned Mussa as part of Easter celebrations on Monday.

Reacting to the development, Mphande has accused Chakwera of playing double standard on the matter.

“Take away corruption and you have a vibrant African economy, a vibrant Malawian economy. Year in year out, we lose billions to corruption perpetuated by top government officials who walk free.

“Yet, the biggest tragedy for Africa is that corruption is tolerated and those who get rich by corruption are celebrated as wealthy people. Personally, I have no respect and admiration for politicians who have amassed riches through corruption,” wrote Mphande.

He added: “The recent decision by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to pardon Mr Uladi Mussa is a mistake and I condemn it. Imagine law enforcement institutions working hard to convict a top politician in a country where corrupt politicians get away with it, only for the President to pardon him. Imagine the frustration the people who are working hard to fight corruption must feel.

“We have taken a step backwards here Mr President. Uladi Mussa should have served his full sentence. He deserved no mercy from you and Malawian taxpayers!

“It is the hope of all Malawians, that you can champion the fight against corruption and not weaken it, that you can walk your talk, and that you can do better than this!”