Africa-Press – Malawi. By Mercy Matonga:
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Wednesday obtained a preservation order from the High Court to seize a plot belonging to former Minister of Irrigation and Water Development Charles Mchacha.
The move comes as the ACB investigates Mchacha’s acquisition of the house.
In the preservation order that The Daily Times has seen, signed by Anneline Kanthambi, the property is located in Kanjedza Forest in Blantyre.
“That the property LW 1366 situated at Kanjedza Forest in Blantyre District be seized and placed under the custody, care and control of the Anti- Corruption Bureau and/or its agents.
“At any time when the circumstances so require or at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings related directly or indirectly to the property which is the subject of this application, any such property shall be disposed of as directed by the court of trial or the High Court on application by the Anti-Corruption Bureau or in accordance with the Corrupt Practices Act,” the order reads.
The order further states that the respondents or anybody affected by the order can apply to the High Court to vary it within 14 days after service.
Ndala According to the court, the seizure is to preserve the property while the investigation into abuse of office cases continues.
Mchacha is also the Regional Governor for opposition Democratic Progressive Party for the South.
ACB Principal Public Relations Officer Egrita Ndala said through a statement that the order follows the bureau’s request and it has been granted.
“The ACB applied to the Financial Crimes Court for seizure of the tainted property and the court has accordingly granted the Seizure Order and placed the property under the custody care and control of the Anti-Corruption Bureau until finalisation of the criminal matter or further Order of the Court” the statement reads.
In August 2021, ACB arrested Mchacha and two other public officers for alleged abuse of office during the DPP administration.
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