Police have arrested three senior officials at energy regulator, Mera, including chief executive officer, Dr. Collins Magalasi and other officers over Corrupt practices allegations and abuse of office.
Besides, Magalasi, Police have also arrested Bright Mbewe, a procurement officer at Mera.
James Kadadzera, national spokesperson for Policehas told Malawi Metro News, they have also arrested Patrick Maulidi, publicist for the the institution.
The arrests follows reports of corruption in the procurement of a new mobile laboratory fuel testing van which MERA awarded to City Motors for the contract value of K704 million.
On 7th May 2019, MERA paid City Motors MK563, 200,000.00 which translates into 80 percent as advance payment.
MERA advertised for the procurement of a mobile fuel testing laboratory van. On 3rd April 2019, MERA entered into a contract with City Motors for the supply of the said laboratory van for the contract value of K704 million.
Almost a year later, on 17th April 2020, MERA paid MK140.8 million to City Motors translating to 20% of the contract sum.
The mobile laboratory van was delivered to MERA in April 2020, a year after the contract was agreed. Furthermore, delivery was made almost a year after the 80 advance payment.
