BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Businessman Thomson Mpinganjira has broken his silence following his release from prison, claiming that President Lazarus Chakwera granted him a pardon after realizing that he did not bribe judges as previously ruled by the courts.
Mpinganjira, who was convicted in 2021 for attempting to influence judges during a high profile election case, maintains that he was wrongly accused and that the truth eventually came to light.
His remarks, captured in a circulating video, have reignited debate over one of Malawi’s most sensitive legal and political cases.
The case in question stems from the aftermath of the disputed 2019 presidential elections, which were later nullified by the Constitutional Court.
At the time, Mpinganjira was found guilty of attempting to bribe judges who were presiding over the matter, a ruling that led to his imprisonment.
However, speaking confidently in the public, Mpinganjira insists that he never engaged in any act of bribery.
He suggests that the evidence used against him was misinterpreted and that his actions were taken out of context during a highly charged political period.
According to Mpinganjira, President Chakwera carefully reviewed his case before granting the pardon.
He claims the Head of State reached a personal conviction that the businessman had been unfairly treated, ultimately leading to his release.
The presidential pardon, granted in 2025, effectively ended Mpinganjira’s prison sentence.
While such pardons are within the powers of the President, they often attract public scrutiny, especially in cases involving serious convictions and national interest.
Mpinganjira’s latest claims are likely to stir fresh controversy, as they appear to challenge the credibility of the judiciary, which had earlier found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Legal experts argue that a pardon does not necessarily overturn a conviction but rather forgives the punishment.
Critics of the decision may view Mpinganjira’s statement as an attempt to rewrite the narrative surrounding his conviction.
They maintain that the court process was thorough and that the ruling should be respected regardless of the pardon.
On the other hand, some members of the public may sympathize with Mpinganjira’s position, especially if they believe that political dynamics influenced the original case.
His remarks could strengthen calls for a deeper review of how high profile cases are handled in Malawi.
The development places renewed focus on the delicate balance between the executive and the judiciary.
It raises important questions about the extent to which presidential powers should be exercised in matters that have already been concluded by the courts.