Two officials arrested in the NOCMA fuel fiasco

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has arrested two officials from the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) in connection with the alleged fraudulent transfer of US$403,615 ( about k700 million).

The two suspects have been identified as NOCMA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Miklas Reuben, aged 54, and Senior Operations Manager Thokozani Jacob Sesani, 49.

According to the police, the two are likely to face charges of negligence by a public officer in preserving money and misuse of public office, among other related offences.

Police say the money was allegedly transferred to account number 237055126003 belonging to Moniray Mozhandlings Lda.

The transfer was reportedly made to facilitate loading and clearing charges for fuel at the ports of Beira and Nacala in Mozambique.

Reuben hails from Kabera Village under Traditional Authority Makwangwala in Ntcheu District, while Sesani is from Kathongera Village under Traditional Authority Chulu in Kasungu District.

The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon, while investigations into the matter are continuing.