The administrator of the Molumbo district in Zambezia, Ester Malawía, is facing charges of extorting semi-precious stones from a prospector, money from traders and embezzling relief goods intended for the victims of Cyclone Gombe.

The events allegedly took place last year, and this Wednesday, the administrator and other citizens indicted in the case were heard by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Office.

Quoted by Rádio Moçambique, Cabinet spokesman Henriques Pene said that the amount extorted was in Kwacha, Malawi's currency, and that the process had been going on for months.

"This is an investigation into facts found during an administrative inspection carried out by the Provincial State Representation Services in response to a complaint they received as an administrative body," he said.

He said that the facts found in the action were subject to investigation and the Office received the complaint as the competent body. "We have launched procedures to clarify the facts in the criminal sphere".

In August last year, Ester Malawía was indicted for allegedly embezzling food products intended for the elderly. She had been indicted by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) the previous month. At the time, she confirmed the accusation and claimed to be ready to cooperate with the Public Prosecutor's Office.