By Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a significant development, the High Court’s Financial Crimes Division has ordered the seizure of land belonging to Charles Mchacha, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor for the South.
The order follows an application by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which has been investigating Mchacha for alleged corrupt acquisition of land meant for a forest reserve in Kanjedza.
The ACB’s investigation revealed that Mchacha induced public officers to perform their functions corruptly in relation to the grant of a lease for the land in question, Plot Number LW 1366 (Kanjedza Forest), belonging to the Department of Forestry.
He was subsequently charged with inducing a public officer to perform functions corruptly, contrary to Section 25A (2) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Mchacha’s troubles began when the ACB received a complaint on February 12, 2020, alleging that the Department of Lands had leased the plot to him without following proper procedures.
The case has been ongoing, with the High Court in Lilongwe previously adjourning the hearing to December 12, 2022, to allow the defense to review documents presented by the state.
During the investigation, former Natural Resources Minister Binton Kumtsaira, who was the fourth state witness, denied granting Mchacha consent to acquire the land.
This testimony likely played a crucial role in the ACB’s decision to pursue the case against Mchacha.
The court’s decision to seize Mchacha’s land marks a significant step in the legal process, and the case will likely continue to unfold in the coming months.
As a prominent figure in the DPP, Mchacha’s case will be closely watched by the public and the legal community alike.
The ACB’s efforts to tackle corruption in Malawi are evident in this case, and the outcome will be eagerly anticipated.
If found guilty, Mchacha could face significant penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines.
