LILONGWE, Aug.1 (Xinhua) -- Malawi Police Monday issued warrant of arrest for the country's former president Joyce Banda on charges of abuse of office and money laundering during her term of office.
A statement signed by Malawi Police Service national spokesperson, James Kadadzera, said the warrant of arrest followed the police's thorough investigations on the former president's involvement in abuse of public funds commonly dubbed "cashgate" by the Malawi media.
"The Malawi Police Service wishes to inform Malawians that its fiscal and fraud section conducted some investigations on the suspected involvement of the former president, Dr. Joyce Banda, in the cashgate cases and unearthed credible evidence," explains the statement.
It continues: "The evidence gathered raises reasonable suspicion that the former president committed offences relating to abuse of office and money laundering."
The statement says since there is a need for investigators to question the former president on the suspected offences, a warrant of arrest was issued against her.
The warrant of arrest is in force and necessary legal formations are being pursued, according to the police statement.
Joyce Banda lost 2014 elections which ushered Peter Mutharika to power and ever since, the former president has been in exile in the United Kingdom.
