The Acting District Commissioner (DC) for Nkhotakota has been accused of abusing public resources by sponsoring Malawi Congress Party (MCP) councillor and Council Chairperson Fitton Khofi in a personal court case, despite guidance from the Ministry of Justice that the matter is not official council business.
Sources allege that the DC provided Khofi with council funds, allowances, and a government vehicle for court appearances in Lilongwe in a defamation case involving lands officers.
The Ministry of Justice reportedly refused to represent Khofi, stating that he acted in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the council.
However, the acting DC allegedly continued facilitating Khofi’s court trips using taxpayer-funded resources.
The DC is also accused of engaging the Principal Secretary for Local Government to push for an out-of-court settlement while the matter remains before the High Court.
Sources further indicate that on Monday, the concerned parties have been summoned by the Principal Secretary for Local Government for a round-table meeting aimed at ending the case.
Critics say the use of public funds and government resources in a personal legal battle amounts to abuse of office and misuse of taxpayers’ money meant for district development.
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