Chizuma says not ready with Abdul Karim Batatawala’s case

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)Director General, Martha Chizuma has said the State is not ready to proceed with trial against Abdul Karim Batatawala and three others due to financial hiccups caused by IFMIS.

Chizuma said lack of access to finances has led to failure to finish witness briefings saying the witnesses are scattered across the country.

She has asked the court to grant them 21 days to finalize the process and serve the defense.

ACB was supposed to serve the defense by 10 February 2022 but only managed to served three of the four defense counsel on Friday last week.

Fourth accused said they have not been served but ACB mentioned it was a mix up in communication.

She added the Prosecution team from Blantyre also recused themselves on various reasons in the run up to the trial.

Defense lawyers led by Henry Phoya, SC has called this blatant non compliance of a court order and called for Batatawala to be discharged.

Lawyers for the three other accused have also prayed the court discharge their clients and can recommence after 12 months by way of summons.