By Collins Mtika
Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched an investigation into Lilongwe City Council (LCC) over allegations of illegal plot allocations in Area 27, with Mayor Esther Sagawa and several councillors accused of acquiring land through dubious means.
The probe—filed under Case Number ACB/CR/2025 and dated February 12, 2025—began a day after Nyasa Times exposed an alleged scheme where council officials reportedly sold public plots illegally. The ACB has formally requested a comprehensive set of documents from the LCC Chief Executive Officer to advance the investigation.
In a letter signed by ACB Acting Director Hillary Chilomba, the bureau demands immediate access to original or certified copies of documents related to the Area 27 plot allocations. Failure to comply, the letter warns, constitutes an offence under Section 49A of the Corrupt Practices Act, which carries significant penalties for non-compliance.
Documents Requested by the ACB Include:
- Advertisements inviting applications for plots in Area 27.
- All submitted plot applications.
- Records of successful applicants.
- Development Service Committee meeting minutes regarding plot allocations.
- Plot Allocation Committee meeting minutes.
- Full Council meeting minutes concerning plot distributions.
- Plot offer letters issued to successful applicants.
- Payment documentation linked to the allocated plots.
- Any additional records related to the plot allocation and payment processes.
The investigation adds to growing evidence of corruption and abuse of power within the Lilongwe City Council. Multiple council insiders claim that Mayor Sagawa sought to acquire 70 of the 300 residential plots designated for public distribution—allegedly pressuring officials to fast-track her acquisitions.
When asked about these allegations, Sagawa gave a vague denial, saying, “Plot allocation got me plot offers? To my knowledge, I don’t know.”
Staff who resisted these illegal directives reportedly faced swift retaliation disguised as performance-related transfers. One officer was dismissed after blocking unauthorised developments tied to the mayor’s allies, while a senior director who pushed for proper use of public funds was transferred to a remote district.
Further allegations point to misuse of funds within the “Make Lilongwe Green” initiative—a project that collected 4 million kwacha from residents to improve the city’s environment. Insiders claim these funds were instead used as a personal cash reserve for Mayor Sagawa.
When finance officers resisted irregular withdrawals, they too were reassigned. Mayor Sagawa denies the claims, stating, “My personal accounts have never benefitted from such.”
Documents obtained by NyasaTimes confirm that staff members who blocked questionable financial transactions were systematically removed. One council source—speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal—accused the mayor of manipulating official processes.
“She influences staff transfers without following disciplinary procedures. She’s also interfering with plot allocations and building approvals,” the source revealed.
The revelations at Lilongwe City Council pose a critical test for President Lazarus Chakwera’s anti-corruption agenda. Despite his administration’s public commitment to empowering oversight bodies like the ACB, critics argue that the delayed investigation raises questions about the government’s resolve to fight corruption.
On January 13, 2025, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) confronted President Chakwera, expressing frustration over the government’s handling of corruption cases. PAC Chairperson Msgr. Dr. Patrick Thawale warned that corruption is eroding public trust and weakening the presidency.
“Corruption has undermined the integrity of the presidency,” Dr. Thawale said, reminding Chakwera of his 2019 and 2020 campaign promises to tackle graft decisively.
Despite public outcry and mounting evidence, the ACB’s investigation into Lilongwe City Council could serve as a litmus test—determining whether Chakwera’s anti-corruption rhetoric translates into real action.
Meanwhile, whistleblowers within the council continue to face harsh retaliation, including demotions, dismissals, and forced transfers—paying a high price for defending public trust.
