Africa-Press – Malawi. The High Court has adjourned the ‘cementgate’ case involving former president Peter Mutharika’s security aide Norman Chisale and two others to a date after the 2025 tripartite elections.
The decision follows a request from the defence team, led by lawyer Kalekeni Kaphale, who argued that the ongoing campaign activities ahead of the polls would compromise the availability of the accused and their legal representatives.
According to the application filed in court, the defence argued that proceeding with the matter during the campaign period would be unfair and could distract both the accused and the electorate from the elections.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala expressed disappointment with the decision.
“The matter has been dragging. The reasons given for the adjournment are baffling,” Chamkakala said.
Despite his objection, the court went ahead and granted the adjournment, effectively postponing Mutharika’s testimony as a State witness until after the elections.
The case revolves around the alleged abuse of the former president’s taxpayer identification number to import thousands of bags of cement duty-free.
Chisale and others are accused of facilitating the imports using Mutharika’s privileges during his presidency.
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