MALAWI LAW SOCIETY FAULTS ACB ON MULUZI CASE

The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has shown a concern about how the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) delays the K1.7 billion corruption case involving former president, Bakili Muluzi, and his personal assistant Lyness Whisky.

In the statement released on August 10, 2016, MLS President, John Suzi Banda, and Honorary Secretary, Khumbo Bonzoe Soko, have accused ACB.

“The Society would firstly want to has considerably delayed in its conclusion since it was commenced. This obviously does not reflect well on the criminal justice system in the country and all those who play a role in it, to wit, the Judiciary, the defence teams and the prosecution,” reads the statement in part.

MLS has also questioned the independence of the ACB and asked the DPP Government to appoint independent prosecutor as Section 99 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi gives this party powers to exercise such mandate.

“We would further recommend to the DPP to immediately appoint a special independent prosecutor in exercise of her powers under section 100 (1) of the Constitution as read with section 79 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code. The special independent prosecutor would, accordingly, proceed to evaluate the evidence that the State has in this case and to take such appropriate further steps as shall be informed by the outcome of the evaluation,” MLS says.

MLS warns that it may take further action if it is not satisfied with the way the case is being handled.

“The Society continues to be seized of this matter and will take such further steps in furtherance of its statutory objectives and the legitimate interests of the public as it considers appropriate,” MLS warns.