Suspected smugglers sue Malawi’s security institutions

Suspected maize smugglers in Karonga, have disclosed to radio Islam that they are taking the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) soldiers and police to court for failing to keep their impounded bags of maize safe.

Soon after this year maize harvest, President Peter Mutharika ordered the MDF and police to impound any truck of maize in Karonga and Chitipa after it was revealed that the maize were illegally exported to Tanzania despite having no safe place for keeping such maize.

Confirming the development, one of the concerned Leonard Kiyombo said they demand compensation from MDF and police.

“Our maize were kept unprotected, a development which made most of it affected by the rain. We were surprised to see our maize rotten and many bags missing,” said Kiyombo.

Reacting to the development, concerned vendors said they will take legal action against the two security department for damages.

“I have already consulted my lawyer and in the process of inviting the Malawi Bureau of Standard (MBS) to test the affected maize if it still suitable for consumption,” Kiyombo said.

He wondered why MDF and police started confiscating maize when they don’t have warehouse.

Kiyombo said they invested millions of cash in the business and they shall not allow to lose it.

The group also faulted MDF and police for impounding maize within the district than the staple food crossing the border.

However, MDF or police are yet to issue a comment on the matter