Former President Dr Joyce Banda has denied claims made by Oswald Lutepo, the prime suspect in the plundering of public funds at Capitol Hill dubbed Cashgate that She was the main beneficially of the money that Lutepo siphoned from government coffers, saying the allegations are false, malicious, defamatory and a calculated attempt by some desperate quarters to implicate
her in the ‘cashgate’ scandal.

Lutepo told Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) on Friday that he was just a conduit in the whole cashgate scandal.

“I was only used but the money went to Joyce Banda. We agreed that my companies is going to be used to defraud the government”, Lutepo was quoted as saying.

He further said he was ready to testify against former President.

Butin reaction to the remarks by Lutepo, a statement from the Officer of the former President signed by Tusekele Mwanyongo, Media Liaison Officer stated that : “The former Head of State would like to state, in no uncertain terms, that Mr. Lutepo’s allegations are false, malicious, defamatory and a calculated attempt by some desperate quarters to implicateher in the ‘cashgate’ scandal”.

Added the statement: “Mr. Lutepo’s allegations come fast on the heels of the Forensic Audit by UK’s Baker Tilly on cashgate. Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda’s name does not appear anywhere in the report contrary to the expectations of some quarters alluded to above. Mr. Lutepo’s name appears prominently in that report hence his present indictment.

“Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda is aware that in the absence of her name in the Forensic Audit
Report, her political detractors are using Mr. Lutepo as a pawn to drag her in the mud in order
to dent her reputation as a citizen of Malawi, wife, mother, politician and philanthropist”.

The plundering of public funds at Capitol Hill which is the first of its kind in Malawi history, came to light in September last year after unknown thugs shot former Budget Director Mr. Paul Mphwiyo.

The Financial scam led to donor suspension forcing the government especially the current regime led by President Professor Peter Mutharika to adopt a Zero-Aid Budget.