Bakili wrongfully arrested

Lawyers for former president Bakili Muluzi have claimed that the former president was wrongfully arrested since the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has no evidence that the accused stole public funds.

Muluzi together with his former assistant Lyness Whiskey are accused of stealing public funds amounting to K1.7 billion.

During cross examination of the first state witness Victor Banda, Muluzi’s defence lawyer Tamanda Chokhotho argued that “It was wrong” for the ACB to arrest his client on claims that he failed to explain the source of the money which had been deposited in his personal accounts.

According to Chokotho, his client had a right not to explain the source of the money which had been deposited in his accounts, arguing that the constitution gives him that right.

He further argued that Muluzi’s assets could generate more money than the amount of cash the state accuses the former president of stealing.

Chokhoto mentioned several assets including Ntaja Tradings and Chitsime Drilling Company that belonged to the former president’s first wife Annie Muluzi.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi24, ACB deputy director Reyneck Matemba said Muluzi was arrested because he failed to provide an explanation about the money in his account.

“When a person has been asked questions you are supposed to answer, and the accused failed to answer and this brought suspicion and our laws states that if a person fails to explain about his assets he can be dragged to court, those laws were not made by ACB neither the witness,” said Matemba.

Matemba added that ACB will push for justice to prevail in the case.

Meanwhile High court Judge MacLean Kamwambe has adjourned the case to Friday 15.