Malawi is not being robbed under cover of darkn ess. It is being plundered in broad daylight, by men in suits who are protected by men with guns. That is the blistering verdict of Onjezani Kenani in a Facebook post that is stirring debate online. Mr Kenani was reacting to CCTV footage in the Amaryllis [...]
Nyasa Times News Desk
Nyasa Times Reporter
1 min ago · 2 min read
Malawi is not being robbed under cover of darkn
ess. It is being plundered in broad daylight, by men in suits who are protected by men with guns.
That is the blistering verdict of Onjezani Kenani in a Facebook post that is stirring debate online. Mr Kenani was reacting to CCTV footage in the Amaryllis Hotel saga.
According to the account of it given to this newspaper, the footage shows cash carried in suitcases and moved in SUVs by suspects who are clearly identifiable, with the help of a police security detail.
Mr Kenani said those in power have had the "audacity" to declare publicly that politics, to them, means nothing more than stealing from the Malawian people.
He then quoted the phrase he says sums up their attitude: "Ndale ndi kudya." The Chichewa saying, which translates as "politics is eating", is often used to describe politics as a route to personal enrichment.
His post did not name any politician, party or individual.
What is the Amaryllis saga?
The row began with the purchase of the Blantyre hotel. The Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) bought it for K128.7 billion, while independent valuations put its worth at around K48 billion.
The deal triggered public outcry, a parliamentary inquiry and the freezing of bank accounts. (nyasatimes) (nyasatimes)
The cash trail
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating about K5.5 billion in suspicious cash withdrawals from an account linked to Yusuf Investments Limited, the hotel's owner.
Documents show at least 25 withdrawals in six weeks. The withdrawals ran from January to early March 2026, when the parliamentary probe began and the account was suspended. (nyasatimes) (nyasatimes)
The CCTV
Footage reportedly shows Charles Gibson Nankhuni withdrawing K1.5 billion in cash on 23 January 2026, and the same amount days later.
Reports allege it also shows a convoy of unmarked State House vehicles and more than 15 armed police officers, with former MERA chief executive Collins Magalasi overseeing the withdrawals. (malawi24) (nyasatimes)
Arrest
The ACB has arrested Mr Magalasi in connection with the deal, and police have confirmed it. No conviction has been reported. The allegations against those named remain unproven. (nyasatimes)
GPGrace Phiri
2h agoFinally some clarity on this. Thanks for the detailed breakdown.
JBJames Banda
1h agoI hope the authorities actually follow through this time.
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