Elections impasse affects Cashgate cases
The effects of the ongoing stand-off in last week’s tripartite elections have not spared the country’s judicial system, making the courts fail to hear cases involving theft of government funds.
The directive by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to extend the voting exercise beyond May 20 has contributed to the slow-down in operations at the magistrate’s court and High Court in Lilongwe which are among the courts handling some Cashgate cases.
Ironically, political parties have been able to obtain court orders pertaining to the elections with ease.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Bruno Kalemba confirmed in an interview yesterday that substantial proceedings have not taken place at the courts due to the uncertainty in the country.
Last week Thursday, the State was expected to parade more witnesses in the case involving businessperson Angela Katengeza who is charged of money laundering alongside former officer in the Ministry of Tourism Leonard Kalonga, but court proceedings on the matter did not take place.
On Friday, examination of sureties for Pika Manondo who was granted bail last month after being in custody since October last year on money laundering charges also did not take place.
