Former Homeland Security minister Nicholas Dausi was on Friday granted court bail following his arrest earlier in the day by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on allegations of overpricing items for the country’s prisons.

In a statement issued on Friday, ACB spokesperson Egrita Ndala said Dausi allegedly approved an exorbitant procurement contract, which was not budgeted for, between government and a United Arab Emirates company One Guard FZE for supply of uniforms and equipment for Malawi Prison Services.

Dausi (L) and his lawyer Nthenda arrive at the court

Ministry of Homeland Security purchased the items, that included socks, underwear, steel plates, cups, cuffs, belts and whistles between February 2019 and June 2020.

The former minister appeared first at ACB offices where he was recorded a caution statement and later in the afternoon was brought before Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court to be formally charged.

He was charged with abuse of office contrary to Section 25B(1) as read with Section 34 of the Corrupt Practices Act and neglect of official duties contrary to Section 121 of the Penal Code.

Delivering a bail ruling, chief resident magistrate Madalitso Chimwaza ordered Dausi to pay K1 million cash, produce two sureties each bonded on K10 million non-cash and surrender travel documents. He is expected to be reporting to ACB offices fortnightly.

Speaking to journalists outside the court, ACB director general Martha Chizuma said Dausi, a Mwanza Central legislator, can only be brought back to court after Parliament rises next month.

She said: “He has been granted bail and he is free to continue with his work as member of Parliament. So, what we are telling the court is that we can only bring him back to court after Parliament rises.”

On his part, Dausi’s lawyer Yusuf Nthenda said MPs are immune to summons when Parliament is in session; hence the decision by the court to adjourn the matter to August 22 2022.

A report, in relation to the matter, that leaked recently showed that at least $13 million (aboutK9.7 billion) was spent on the overpriced items.

Documents in our possession, also in relation to the matter, indicate that Ministry of Homeland Security awarded eight contracts to One Guard FZE of UAE to supply the items but the prices were allegedly exorbitant.

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