‘Cashgate women’ plead not guilty

Four women accused of stealing about K550 million (about $1.3m) in the Capital Hill cashgate on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and money laundering levelled against them in the High Court in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

Hearing of the cases against them is expected to begin 21 days after the State submits a list of witnesses.

The four were among seven people who appeared before High Court Judge Esmie Chombo to take plea following their arrests last month.

Among the accused were Sibongile Chimphango, who the State accused of stealing K286 million (about $715 000) for payment of services not rendered to government.

Businessperson Caroline Savala, another suspect, pleaded not guilty to the two charges of theft and money laundering of K84.9 million (about $213 000).

Another contractor, Laura Savala (not related to Caroline) allegedly siphoned K160.6 million (about $401 500) through the Ministry of Tourism between July and September this year.

However, State lawyer Kayikani Chakuwawa sought an adjournment and asked for 21 days to prepare and serve on the defence the list of witnesses who would support the prosecution.

But Chombo said: “I can’t adjourn the case on that basis because these cases are being handled by different people. The registrar [of the court] will set a date for hearing and I will pass on the matter to my sister Judge [Ivy] Kamanga.”

Another businessperson, Kettie Kamwangala, has been charged with money laundering and theft of K28 million (about $70 000) from government between July and September this year. She too pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Others who appeared before the court on Tuesday were Godfrey Dzanjalimodzi who pleaded not guilty to alleged theft and money laundering of K338 million (about $845 000).

Another accused, Muzipasi Moyo, also pleaded not guilty to money laundering and theft of K355 million (about $887 500) from government.

But lawyer for Moyo, Gilbert Khonyongwa, pleaded for Moyo and Kamwangala’s release on the basis that they had been in custody since their arrests three weeks ago.

But Chombo said she could not make a decision on the bail applications because it was Kamanga who heard the applications and she would only be available from Thursday this week.

The court is expected to set dates for hearing of the cases.