President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s State House Chief of Staff, Prince Kapondamgaga, has resumed his duties after a year-long suspension.
The suspension came about due to reported investigations that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was undertaking against him. However, the ACB’s year-long investigations came to an end with no charges drafted against him, leading to speculation that he might have been a victim of political maneuvers from both within and outside the government.
Kapondamgaga’s suspension had drawn the attention of President Chakwera’s critics, as he was considered one of the President’s trusted aides. The lifting of his suspension followed the ACB’s recommendation to the OPC, which cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Legal experts have offered their perspectives on Kapondamgaga’s case. Many believe that the fact he voluntarily returned a vehicle allegedly received as a gift from Sattar does not automatically make him an accomplice to a crime, unless proven otherwise. Some legal practitioners emphasized that being summoned by the ACB does not imply guilt, and individuals can either be arrested, released with ongoing investigations, or cleared, as happened in Kapondamgaga’s case.
The news of Kapondamgaga’s return to State House has garnered excitement among supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), with many describing him as a loyal and dedicated figure close to the President, serving the interests of President Chakwera and the party. Regional Chairmen of the ruling party have also expressed their approval of the President’s decision to reinstate Kapondamgaga.
