Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) Chief Executive Officer Andy Khumbanyiwa has been suspended for allegedly defrauding the company money amounting to MK156 million in dubious payments.

The company has also suspended Finance and Administration Manager Jonathan Mwakiyelo and Investments and Business Development Officer Wesley Mwamadi for allegedly having a hand in the fraud allegations.

This has been disclosed in a letter dated November 29, 2018 addressed to Khumbanyiwa seen by faceofmalawi reporter.

According to the letter, the decision to suspend the three was made during an emergency board meeting held on November 28, 2018.

“The board resolved that you should be suspended from duties with effect from today November 29, 2018 to pave way for the thorough investigations,” reads in part the letter.

The board has also ordered Khumbanyiwa to return the company’s laptop by today.