Namiwa dares Chipungu to sue over wealth claims

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has challenged Lands Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu to take him to court, saying a legal battle would give Malawians a chance to see evidence of the minister’s wealth and financial dealings.

The challenge comes after Chipungu gave the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) 48 hours to retract and apologise for allegations the minister says are defamatory.

Through his lawyer, Kwima Mchizi, Chipungu argues that CDEDI falsely claimed during a July 27 press conference that he bought seven vehicles worth K2.8 billion after becoming a minister, was constructing a hotel beyond his known income and was linked to land transactions involving ADL.

However, Namiwa has refused to back down.

Namiwa: please sue

“Demanding accountability from a public officer is never and shall never be defamation. Therefore, we will not apologise or retract. Should he decide to go to court, that will be a golden opportunity for us and Malawians to get all the relevant documents,” he said.

Chipungu has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that he only bought two duty-free vehicles after becoming a Member of Parliament and that both were financed through bank loans available to MPs.

The minister has warned that he will commence legal proceedings if CDEDI fails to apologise and withdraw the allegations within the 48-hour deadline.