ACB line up 30 witnesses against Malawi ex- leader Muluzi: Case to run for three weeks fast-track

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) says it has more than 30 witnesses to testify against former president Bakili Muluzi in the $11 million (about K1.7bn) graft case currently being tried at High Court in Blantyre.

One of the ACB lawyers prosecuting the case, Clement Mwala disclosed in an interview with Nyasa Times on Tuesday after the case resumed at court where the anti-graft body started parading its witnesses.

Mwala refused to disclose details of the witnesses and only said: “Just know we have lined up more than 30 witnesses to testify in this case whose details will be revealed as we go along”.

The case, according to court communication, is set to run for the next three weeks with trial expected on daily basis, unless, stated otherwise.

Muluzi: Denies any wrong doing
Muluzi: Denies any wrong doing

On Tuesday its first witness, Victor Banda, who is ACB assistant director responsible for operations, testified by detailing to the court dates and amounts Muluzi allegedly paid CFAO Malawi towards the purchase of about 80 vehicles worth K123 million (about $307 500) who testified in detail some of the investigated transactions involving Muluzi’s bank account.

Muluzi, according to the prosecution, also paid about K165 million (about $412 500) to the City Building Contractors who built Keza Office Park which Muluzi owned, but was sold off recently.

The ACB contends that while Muluzi was president of Malawi, he was found to have been in control or possession of resources worth K1.7 billion reasonably suspected to have been acquired corruptly.

The case resumed after the court on Monday threw out application that ACB Deputy Director for Prosecutions, David Nyamilandu is ineligible to practise law in Malawi following a recent Constitutional Court ruling.

The former president has always said the charges were linked to his dispute with his successor, late Bingu wa Mutharika.

Muluzi stepped down in 2004 after serving as president for 10 years.

He retired from active politics in 2009 due to ill-health. Muluzi is walking with difficulties, but is using a cane to support his mobility.

Muluzi was initially charged with 86 counts of corruption and abuse of office. They were trimmed to three. He denies the charges

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