Journalist arrested for taking pictures of Bingu’s palace

Journalist of a Catholic's Montfort media, Ernest Mahwayo , was no Monday arrested by police for taking photos of the multi-million Kwacha majestic Ndata mansion belonging to President Bingu wa Mutharika in Thyolo district.

Mahwayo, who is assistant editor of Mkwasu newspaper published by Morntfort Media, was seen taking photos of the Ndata palace and police arrested him.

Southern region police spokesman Davie Chingwalu confirmed that the journalist was detained at Limbe police.

Mahwayo : Arrested

"We detained Ernest Mahwayo to  question him why he was taking pictures at the private home of President Bingu wa Mutharika," Chingwalu told Nyasa Times.

He said the journalist has been charged with an offence of 'conduct likely to cause breach of peace.'

Chingwalu said Mahwayo would be taken to court on Tuesday.

Police officers, meanwhile, seized his digital camera, and deleted its photos.

Ndata has been a centre of attraction since its first picture was posted on Nyasa Times.

One of  the 20 demands in the petition the civil society organisations  presented to the President after July 20 anti-government demonstrations was  for him to explain his wealth, including how he built his Ndata Palace.

Ndata's private palace is  estimated to have cost several million dollars, 58 rooms with adjoining bathrooms and spas, four floors, complete with escalators, a nuclear bunker and, next to the house, a dam thought to be worth a few more million, according to Nyasa Times sources.

In a 2009 interview with the official Malawi News Agency, Mutharika trashed any suggestion that he had accumulated ill-gotten wealth. He reminded Malawians that he was the only president to have ever declared personal assets in the first place.

When he took power in 2004,  Mutharika declared personal assets were a little over $1m – mainly comprising a farm he bought from his Zimbabwean friend, Robert Mugabe, in 2001.

Naturally, President Mutharika pointed out, people should expect an increase in his assets since he has been receiving a salary and allowances as head of state.

In spite of the president's vehement denial, there is no shortage of those who question how a mere salary and allowances could have made him so rich in so short a time.

However, his new house is one of the most striking signs that he has spent massively more than he has earned.

Ndata will be retirement home for President Mutharika that will rival the most extravagant of African leaders' residences.

Observers say the palace is an affront to the suffering people of Malawi.

Ndata palace: Mutharika living like an American billionaire or a Saudi prince.

Nyasa Times 13 Sep, 2011

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Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/national/journalist-arrested-for-taking-pictures-of-bingu%e2%80%99s-palace/
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