The State has transferred the unexplained wealth case against Paulos Chisale, a former security aide to ex-president Peter Mutharika, to the Financial Crimes Court.
Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala yesterday confirmed the move from the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court and expressed hope that it will expedite the trial.
He said: “We can confirm that that is the situation. The time the case was commencing, the Financial Crimes Court had not yet started operations.
“Now that the court, which is the most appropriate one, is in operation, that’s why we have decided to move it.”
He added: “We are hopeful that with this specialised court, we are going to move quickly to conclude this case. As you know, it’s been outstanding for a long time.”
The case dates back to 2021 when the State, through a court’s preservation order, seized Chisale’s assets valued at around K3 billion, which include bank accounts, vehicles, and buildings.
He was subsequently charged with money laundering, possession of unexplained wealth, and filing inaccurate asset declarations.
Chamkakala further stated that the State was “very prepared to” prosecute the case.
“When we looked at this matter, we realised that we need to be thorough with our preparations. That’s why we kind of delayed,” he said.
Chisale’s lawyer, Chancy Gondwe, said he could not immediately comment as he was yet to be served with documentation regarding the new development.
