A commission of inquiry set up by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has found no sufficient evidence to corroborate sexual harassment allegations lodged against Daud Mtanthiko, FAM’s executive member, but found him liable for disciplinary action for misconduct and dishonesty.
The inquiry also revealed the identity of the complainant as Hazie Mbizi – a member of the media subcommittee of FAM on the delegation to South Africa when the national women’s football team, the Scorchers, went to play against Banyana Banyana – and not a Scorchers player as it was previously reported.
According to the report read by FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, Mtanthiko displayed conduct not befitting a head of delegation when he initially denied entering the complainant’s room around 7:00 pm but later acknowledged when CCTV footage was obtained, showing his dishonesty and misconduct albeit it was Mbizi who allowed him to enter the room by opening the door.
The inquiry also faults the complainant for tampering with crucial evidence when she deleted WhatsApp messages on her phone.
She has also been blamed for not following proper channels of reporting grievances as FAM has clearly defined reporting lines or protocols that include a safeguarding officer or team manager, when she reported her grievances to friends and relatives.
Meanwhile, Mtanthiko remains suspended pending disciplinary action and paving way for independent inquiries currently underway by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
