Muluzi case transfer next year

The High Court in Malawi failed last week to start hearing the K1.7 billion graft case involving former president Bakili Muluzi who wants the matter out of the High Court.

Muluzi lawyers filed a fresh application in September to transfer the 10-year-old criminal case to the Constitutional Court, arguing it was a highly politically matter that needs to be heard before a panel of three judges.

Judiciary spokesperson Mlenga Mvula confirmed yesterday hearing at Blantyre High Court could not start following the sudden death of Muluzi’s daughter Esmie who was struck by lightning on Monday last week.

He also said Judge Maclean Kamwambe would have to fix a new date early next year to proceed with the hearing.

This is the second time Muluzi and his co-accused Lyness Whiskey have applied to have the case shifted to the Constitutional Court, having done likewise in 2015.

However, the previous constitutional review application was voluntarily withdrawn. n