Muluzi Corruption Case Adjourned to May 3
The High Court in Blantyre has today adjourned the K1.7 billion (about $ 2.4million) corruption case involving former president Bakili Muluzi to May 3 2016, following an application by the State that it wants a split trial.
The State has applied that the two accused persons, Muluzi and Violet Whiskey, be prosecuted separately.
However, the defence said it was taken unawares by application.
The two sides will thus meet in the Chambers on April 29 2016 where formal application will be made and the defence council will respond.
Out of the 15 counts, only 13 to 15 are relating to the 2nd accused, Whiskey.
Whiskey is answering three counts, including two pertaining to theft by a person employed in the public service.
The third charge is giving a false report or information to the ACB.
Meanwhile, Muluzi’s lead counsel Tamando Chokotho presented a medical report for Whiskey who was taken ill while in court yesterday.
The medical report shows a diagnosis and recommends a three-day bed rest and an appointment for review on April 22 2016.
Since trial began last week Thursday, over K100 million (about $145 483) has been deducted from the K1.7 billion.
This happened after first prosecution witness Victor Banda agreed that the money should not be part of the said cumulative figure as there was no indication it was acquired corruptly.
The K100 million deductions, among others, include money from Muluzi’s Ntaja Trading and Distributors and loans from Loita Investment Bank as well as Stanbic Bank (now Standard Bank) which he got for the construction of Keza Office Park.
The case dates back to 2006.
Muluzi served as the country’s second president from 1994 to 2004.
