Kasambara to appear in court today, apply for bail

Former Malawi Justice Minister Raphael Kasambara, who is currently in custody for money laundering charges, is expected to appear in court today.

Director of Public Prosecutions Bruno Kalemba on Tuesday said his office is making every effort that Kasambara should appear before court by Wednesday (today).

“We are doing all we can to stick to the 48-hour requirement and we are hopeful that Mr Kasambara will appear before court tomorrow [today] for money laundering charges,” he said.

Kasambara’s lawyer, Lusungu Gondwe, who said his client was doing well despite the circumstances, said they have applied for bail hearing.

Kasambara was also arrested last year and is facing another charge of attempted murder of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo before his rearrest on Monday.

On Monday police confiscated Kasambara’s Mercedes Benz, registration NB4375, which police say was the vehicle used in the shooting of Mphwiyo.

Kasambara is being charged with money laundering contrary to Section 35 of the Money Laundering Act.

The warrant of his arrest shows that on July 26 last year, a cheque (number 000304) amounting to K55 000 000 [about $138 000] from International Procurement System (IPS) was deposited into account number 021000009811 of Ralph and Arnolds; NedBank City Centre Lilongwe suspected to be stolen money.

Kasambara told The Nation on Monday the transaction was done when he was a Cabinet minister and was no longer associated with the law firm in question.

“The police should have done their research better before coming and arresting me. The transaction which they are arresting me for was done during the time I was minister and I declared that I was no longer involved in running the associates account, so how I can be held liable to a client’s accounts, that’s for the administration,” he said.

The cheque is said to have belonged to Pika Manondo, who wanted to buy a house and had contacted Ralph and Arnolds to assist him.