Wa Ganyu
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) commission of enquiry has cleared its executive committee member Daud Mtanthiko of sexual misconduct but keep him suspended as they question his integrity.
Mtanthiko was suspected to have made sexual advances on a female media official Hazviperi Mbizi during the Malawi National Women’s Football Team tour of South Africa for two friendly marches in April.
News of the alleged sexual misconduct came out through a Zambian online publication Bola News which reported that the accused allegedly demanded physical affection from Mbizi while in South Africa.
However, a FAM enquiry revealed that there was no evidence to suggest any acts of sexual misconduct by the accused.
The enquiry headed by FAM First Vice President Madalitso Kuyera was read by the association’s president Fleetwood Haiya at Mpira Village in Blantyre on Saturday morning.
“There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation of sexual misconduct against Mr Mtanthiko. The commission is of the view that it is in the word of the accused against that of the complainant; hence the commission was not given any collaborating evidence to support the complainant’s alleged sexual harassment.
“The commission determines that the case of sexual harassment has not been proved by the complainant,” said Haiya.
Haiya said the complainant deleted WhatsApp messages that were being exchanged with the accuser therefore removing what could have been key in the enquiry.
Mtanthiko who was recently suspended to pave the way for a smooth investigation will however remain removed from FAM duties and be summoned to the association’s disciplinary committee to answer charges of misconduct and dishonesty.
“The commission recommends that the accused remain on suspension and the matter of misconduct and dishonesty on the part of the accused be referred to the disciplinary committee of FAM for determination,” read Haiya.
He then said Mtanthiko had earlier during his hearing denied entering the complainant’s room before later making a confession after CCTV footage. He also said Mtanthiko had breached the association’s safeguarding guidelines.
FAM also disclosed that the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) is conducting an independent investigation on the issue and the association will respect their findings.
Asked how long Mtanthiko stayed in Mbizi’s room, Haiya said the lady told the committee that he was in the room for two to three minutes but denied that she did not invite him into her room, not even requesting for money as claimed by Mtanthiko.
