Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima has been acquitted of corruption charges related to government contract awards in a significant legal development likely to ease simmering tensions within the governing Tonse Alliance.
Chilima faced allegations of accepting bribes to influence the award of government contracts to companies linked to British businessman Zuneth Sattar.
Both Chilima and Sattar denied any misconduct, and the vice president’s trial never progressed beyond preliminary hearings.
High Court judge Redson Kapindu on Monday said the decision to drop the charges was arrived after the Director of Public Prosecutions filed a notice for the case to be discontinued.
The state prosecutor’s decision to discontinue the case came without explanation, sparking debate over the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
The case’s dismissal has intensified scrutiny of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration and its anti-corruption efforts.
It also highlights the strained dynamics within the Tonse Alliance as Chakwera had publicly withdrawn official duties from Chilima during the trial, only to reverse this decision prior to the acquittal.
Following the judge’s order, the DPP must now inform parliament of the reasons behind the case’s discontinuation within ten days, as mandated by the constitution.
This turn of events raises questions about Chakwera’s ability to fulfil his 2020 campaign promise to eradicate corruption, especially given the challenges in managing high-profile corruption allegations within his government.
JN/APA