LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court seating in Lilongwe on Tuesday adjourned to March 10 2026 a case in which wildlife crimes and money laundering convict Lin Yinhua is answering seven charges of corrupt practices with public officers and abuse of public offices.
High court judge Redson Kapindu made the adjournment when he was making directions in the case, indicating that the case would run for three days from March 10 to 13, 2026.
Judge Kapindu ruled that within 14 days the defence should identify a competent interpreter for client and counsel engagement.
“Make sure that within seven days assistant registrar of the court should engage Messrs Maele Law Practice to file a written notice that it no longer represents the accused”, Kapindu orders.
The judge also rules further, “Make sure that within 14 days the prosecution should ensure that the high court file contains all disclosures which shall be served to the defence with the materials”.
Anti-Corruption Bureau principal legal and prosecution officer Peter Sambani therefore told the court that the state is ready for the full trial.
Sambani hinted that the state will parade its 16 witnesses against the suspect on corruption and public officers abuses’ charges.
Among others, Lin is accused of offering K30 million to Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda who was the officer In charge of Maula Prison to engage then chief resident Magistrate Violet Chipao who was presiding over his wildlife and money laundering case, to give him a lesser sentence while he was on remand at Maula Prison in 2019.
This means Lin will remain on remand at Dedza Prison until full trial.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Chinese wildlife convict Yunhua Lin has pleaded not guilty to seven charges.
The charges ranges from corruption to public officers abuses.
This means the case has entered into full trial.
During the proceedings, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) legal team leader Peter Sambani told the court that the state will parade 16 witnesses against Lin.
Sambani also expects seven seating of the case saying two witnesses will be paraded per session.
The defence team lawyer Mkutabasa asked the court for times as he was new to the case.
The change of defence team lawyers comes after the suspect lawyer Festino Maele was appointed as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) by President Peter Mutharika.
Meanwhile, High Court Judge Redson Kapindu has adjourned the case to tomorrow, Tuesday for case direction determination.
…Lin adamant on bail application despite being a proven flight risk…
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As the bail hearing for convicted wildlife trafficker Yunhua Lin on fresh corruption charges is set for tomorrow, environmentalists and anti-corruption activists are calling on Festino Maele, recently appointed as Malawi’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to recuse himself from the case to avoid a conflict of interest.
Maere has been representing Lin in a corruption case in which the Chinese national is accused of attempting to bribe a High Court judge and prison officials to secure his release.
The case arose shortly after Lin’s controversial presidential pardon in July, which was followed by his re-arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Flight Risk Concerns Lin’s recent bail applications have been repeatedly denied over fears that he is a flight risk.
Last month, Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu dismissed his application, agreeing with state prosecutor Peter Sambani from the ACB that Lin was likely to abscond trial.
Sambani argued that Lin’s family members — who were convicted alongside him — fled to China immediately after being pardoned, raising fears that Lin would do the same if granted bail.
This is not the first time Lin’s bid for freedom has been rejected.
In March last year, Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, sitting as a Supreme Court of Appeal judge, dismissed a similar application, echoing concerns over Lin’s flight risk.
In his ruling, Chikopa noted: “The state presented an affidavit by a police officer showing that while lawfully committed to prison, the applicant had been enjoying irregular time out. He is to that extent a flight risk.
If he can leave and return to prison at will while serving a sentence, there is nothing to stop him from leaving Malawi altogether and frustrating the final disposal of the anticipated appeal while on bail.”
Conflict of Interest Fears Despite these previous court rejections, Lin — through Maele — has filed yet another bail application, set for hearing before the High Court on Friday.
However, Maere’s recent appointment as the country’s top prosecutor has sparked alarm among activists.
Environmental and anti-corruption advocates argue that his continued involvement in Lin’s case, or any other cases he previously handled as a private lawyer, could compromise the independence of the prosecution service.
“The appointment of Fostino Maele as DPP, while he has been representing a notorious wildlife convict, raises serious concerns about conflict of interest,” said Mathews Malata, a prominent environmentalist, in an interview with Maravi Post.
Malata wants DPP Maele to put interests on Malawians
“To maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law, DPP Maere must recuse himself from any involvement in this case.”
Malata added that justice must be allowed to take its course without political or institutional interference.
“As a key member of the new government, DPP Maele has an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to protecting our natural resources and upholding the rule of law.
“We hope the Democratic Progressive Party-led government will take environmental crimes seriously, in line with its manifesto,” he said.
International Scrutiny Lin’s wildlife and corruption cases have drawn widespread international attention, becoming a litmus test for Malawi’s resolve in tackling wildlife trafficking and corruption.
Experts warn that poor handling of such high-profile cases could undermine donor confidence in a country already grappling with severe social and economic challenges, including acute hunger.
While the international community has commended Malawi’s judiciary for securing a landmark conviction and lengthy prison term against Lin, it has also criticized the former president Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to pardon him.
The UK-based Telegraph quoted Paul Mvula, a local governance and human rights advocate, who questioned whether Lin met the conditions for clemency — such as serving at least half his sentence and demonstrating good behavior.
Mvula worried with Lin’s pardoning
New state charges now allege that Lin attempted to bribe a judge and prison officials while still in custody.
“This pardon raises serious governance issues,” Mvula told The Telegraph. “We believe the President may have been misinformed and urge a review and possible reversal of the clemency.”
A ranger from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, speaking anonymously to The Telegraph, voiced concern that Lin’s release could embolden other traffickers and demoralize conservation workers.
“His arrest was a turning point,” the ranger said. “Letting him go undoes years of sacrifice by rangers and investigators.”
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-An explosive investigation by The Economist has uncovered a disturbing web of wildlife trafficking allegedly orchestrated through the Taiwanese Buddhist-managed Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) in Blantyre, Malawi — a facility established to care for orphans and vulnerable children.
Instead, evidence suggests that some of these orphans have been systematically groomed and exploited by a network of Chinese wildlife criminals posing as business investors.
The revelations point to deep-seated corruption, institutional negligence, and a dangerous exploitation of Malawi’s most vulnerable youth.
Inside Amitofo Orphanage centre
From Orphanage to Wildlife Mule: Francis’s Story
At the heart of The Economist investigation, titled “The School for Wildlife Traffickers”, lies the chilling account of a 19-year-old boy, identified as Francis, who says he was coerced by Amitofo’s Human Resources Manager, Branson Njunga, into participating in illegal ivory transactions.
Njunga — recently arrested in Chikwawa for possession of ivory and currently facing charges — allegedly acted as a conduit between Amitofo’s vulnerable youth and Chinese wildlife traffickers.
“He had heard about former students at Amitofo who had been recruited into the illegal wildlife trade,” writes journalist Rachel Nuwer. “He had also seen news stories about people caught with ivory serving years in prison.”
Fearing for his future, Francis abandoned his education and left the centre — a decision that may have saved his freedom.
Inside the Illicit Network: Njunga, Lin, and the Chinese Connection
Undercover investigators quoted in The Economist report reveal that Njunga openly admitted to working with Chinese associates in Lilongwe, sourcing ivory for them.
Njunga arrested in sky blue from from left
He even offered to supply 20 kilograms of ivory to an undercover journalist.
“It’s risky business, but where there is money, people take risks,” Njunga allegedly told the investigator.
His recent arrest alongside two others in possession of ivory only reinforces the allegations.
They are now facing charges for possessing specimens of protected species — an offence carrying severe custodial penalties under Malawi’s wildlife protection laws.
But Njunga’s role appears to be just one part of a much larger, well-coordinated network.
The Shadow of Yunhua Lin: Pardoned Kingpin Still Pulling Strings
The Economist investigation also revisits the case of Yunhua Lin, an international wildlife trafficker once convicted in Malawi.
Despite his 14-year sentence, Lin was controversially pardoned by President Lazarus Chakwera in July this year — while one of his Malawian “runners,” Aaron Dyson, remains behind bars serving a 15-year sentence for crimes he was reportedly coerced into committing.
Lin, who is now facing separate corruption charges, has been repeatedly denied bail by the courts, with judges citing him as a flight risk.
Yet, despite multiple failed applications, Lin has again filed for bail — raising questions about whether the judicial system is being manipulated to his advantage.
Human rights observers say Lin’s influence continues to extend deep into Malawi’s institutions.
Lin, Wildlife crime convict
“It is shocking how Chinese traffickers manipulate vulnerable Malawians — including orphans — into committing crimes on their behalf, only for the locals to rot in jail while the real masterminds use their illicit wealth to escape justice,” said a human rights and legal expert from Chancellor College, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The investigation reveals that Lin maintained ties with the Lilongwe branch of Amitofo Care Centre, even purchasing part of land near the facility to reportedly store illegal wildlife products.
Former Amitofo student Aaron Dyson, once celebrated as a “model orphan” and Mandarin prodigy, was recruited into Lin’s network after returning from language training in Taiwan.
Dyson’s story underscores the tragic transformation from hopeful student to victim of transnational crime.
He allegedly handled ivory and rhino horn runs across Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe — operations believed to have been financed and directed by Lin.
Equally concerning is the state’s response.
Despite repeated arrests and court findings, Lin continues to exploit legal loopholes and influence networks to maintain his freedom.
His July presidential pardon remains one of the most controversial acts of executive clemency in recent memory.
Call for Urgent Government Action.
“The revelations demand immediate scrutiny from Malawi’s Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Homeland Security, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau,” calls Lilongwe based environmental activist asked for annonymity.
He stressed on the need for authorities to protect and rehabilitate victims of the trafficking network; Investigate the conditions surrounding Lin’s presidential pardon; and Strengthen oversight over foreign religious and charitable institutions operating in Malawi.
“Anything less would be a betrayal of the very children and communities the state is meant to protect.” he earned.
“If these findings are left unchecked, Malawi risks becoming a regional hub for wildlife trafficking — fuelled by poverty, foreign manipulation, and institutional indifference.
“It is now up to the authorities to act — not with statements, but with prose,” said a Chancellor college legal and human rights expert also opted for anonymity.
The Ministry of Gender and Ministry of Justice are yet to comment on the unfolding developments .
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate court has denied bail application for a Chinese wildlife trafficking and money laundering convict Yunhua Lin on grounds that he is a flight risk, and that he has no prosperity in Malawi to be withheld as surety.
Lin who is answering seven corruption related charges in relation to bribing prison officers to enjoy favours , and also attempting to bribe a highcourt judge to reduce his sentence applied for a court bail following his alleged release from prison for the first crimes .
The principal resident magistrate Benjamin Chulu denied Lin bail after examining arguments from the state and defense lawyers .
For instance, the state prosecutor Peter Sambani argued that Lin is a flight risk likely to abscond trial if given bail because he is a Chinese citizen whose family has already left for China .
Sambani, a Lawyer from Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) further, argued if Lin was able to allegedly find his way out of prison during his prison term , he would likely abscond full trial .
“Looking at the case at hand, the accused is known of manipulating the system where he can get out of prison to visit his home, farm and other businesses, the accused is at high risk of flying back to his country following a deportation order made during the sentence of the first crimes.
“We therefore request the honourable court to deny the accused bail until full trial of the case ,” said Sambani during the gearing of the bail application rulling .
But Patrick Kalimbuka, a defense lawyer represented Lin argued that his client remains innocent until proven guilty hence the court should consider releasing him on bail .
Kalimbuka further argued that all cases are bailable and that Lin could not abscond trial because he is running his business in the country .
“The arguments by the defense remains allegations until proven guilty by the court. Also, the accused is running businesses here, employ many Malawians and pay tax to government.
“This demonstrates his great impact to the social economic development of the country,” said Kalimbuka while presenting a land lease certificate for a farm that turn a haven of his illegal wildlife trafficking products.
But presenting the rulling, Magistrate Chulu agreed with the reasons against bail presented by the state and denied the accused bail .
“The court thoroughly scrutinized the land lease document and fount that the certificate did not bear the accused name ,” said Chulu .
He added, “The state has also expressed that the accused is a flight risk hence he was denied bail by the supreme court on same grounds.
“The cases he is accused of also leaves a lot of desired questions for him to be given bail. I therefore deny the accused bail.”
Chulu adjourned the case to June 4, 2025 for directions.
There were strong rumours indicating that an international wildlife criminal serving a fourteen years old jail term at Dedza prison, Yunhua was among the 21 inmates pardoned by President Lazarous Cuakwera for Easter celebrations.
However, following The Maravi Post publication over the matter, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) obtained an injunction stopping the move.
Eventually, environmental grouping also ganged against the move while condemning Presidential pardon committee on the his plans to be released from Dedza prison.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court sitting in Lilongwe on Monday, October 31, 2023, rejected an application made by Chinese National, Yunhua Lin against his 14-year sentence for wildlife crime.
Making the Judgement, Judge Anabel Mtalimanja said the convict made an application a year after his sentence instead of 30 days after the judgment as he was instructed by the court.
Mtalimanja told Lin to go back to the Supreme Court where he made his first appeal before going to the high court.
The convict is being sent back to the upper court in line with the laws of the land.
Senior State advocate in the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) office, Mathews Chione said Lin pleaded with the court to explain himself as said was not given enough time during his mitigation.
The Chinese National was arrested in August 2019 alongside Malawi National James Mkwezalamba.
About 10 Chinese and four Malawians also received prison sentences on different offences in line with wildlife crimes including possession of firearms, and protected species; Pangolin, Rhino horn, Hippo teeth, and elephant ivory.
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