The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala has come under fire for dropping criminal charges against three directors of Paramount Holding Limited.
The directors, Prakash Virji Ghedia, Arvindikumar Atiti Patel and Surej Khimji Jagatiya were answering charges of making and uttering false documents to get contracts.
The offences surrounded conspiracy to utter false documents and utter a false document showing that the company is an authorized dealer of Yamaha Motorcycles in Malawi.
Chimkakala refused to disclose the reasons behind the move.
“At this stage, I am not at liberty to disclose until other stakeholders have done their processes,” he told The Nation newspapers.
However, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive director Willy Kambwandira has questioned the move, saying it raises more questions than answers.
“This is a serious matter involving criminality and corruption. As a public official, he is not exempt from being held accountable. He must explain to Malawians the reasons that have prompted the decision to dismiss that case,” he said
According to the charge sheet, the three also made a false document contrary to section 353 of the penal code as a second count.
“Prakash Virji Ghedia, Arvindikumar Atiti Patel and Surej Khimji Jagatiya and Paramount Holdings Limited on or about August, 2020, being Directors of Paramount Holdings Limited in Malawi and the company itself conspired to make false document and utter a false document showing that the company is an authorized dealer of Yamaha Motorcycles in Malawi
“Oan or about August, 2020, being Directors of Paramount Holdings Limited in Malawi and the company itself uttered a false document to Ministry of Education, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, UNC Project and Jphiego to win tenders for the supply of motorcycles showing that Paramount Holdings is an authorized dealer of Yamaha Motorcycles in Malawi on behalf of Yamaha Company Limited,” reads part of the summon
