Muluzi trial to conclude by April 22 as K1.7bn reduced by K100m so far

The High Court is expected to conclude the alleged corruption trial of former president Bakili Muluzi by April 22 2016 with any extensions restricted to the first week of May.

The case dates back to 2006 and has now taken about 10 years due to numerous adjournments mainly attributed to the former president’s ill health.

Muluzi and his former personal assistant Violet Whiskey are facing charges as former president was in possession of “pecuniary resources” amounting to K1 740 166 712. 32 which the state suspected to have been corruptly acquired wanted a reasonable explanation in relation to the amount.

So far after first prosecution witness, Victor Banda, over K100 million has been deducted from the K1.7 billion as there was no indication it was corruptly acquired.

The money was deposited into Muluzi’s account between March 4 1999 and July 21 2001 by Ntaja Trading and Distributors (the former president’s company), Loita Investment Bank (from fixed deposit) and Kalaria Wholesalers, amounting to K20 million.

In charging Muluzi, the state claimed the money was from donors. It is yet to be seen if the rest of the money came from Malawi donors into Muluzi’s personal account.

The defence  led by private practice lawyer Tamanda Chokhotho argued that in investigating Muluzi, the State deliberately excluded other sources of income such as Ntaja Trading and Distributors which was making a monthly turnover of more than K1 billion, Keza Properties and Atupele Properties

Chokotho said the defence will have to “make calculations” , which will be done at the time they are making submissions in order to know the exact amount struck off from the K1.7 billion, saying they are going through “transaction by transaction ” and  pointed out that at the end of the trial, they may not have any figure at all.

The court adjourned on Friday around 11:45am following a proposal from both sides to allow Muluzi to attend prayers and the case, which dates back to 2006, resumes at 9:00am on Monday.