Cashgate convict Savala gets 7 years

Caroline Savala who used to sell lipstick but made it big through cashgate has been sentenced to seven years in prison for her role in the plunder of public funds.

The cashgate convict was found guilty of theft and money laundering on 17th July, 2015.

On Monday at the High court in Lilongwe, Savala who stole K85 million in the cashgate syndicate was left to stand alone in the absence of her lawyer but appeared composed giving the impression she was ready for the outcome of the day.

Defence counsel Ralph Kasambara was absent from the court at a time when he must have been needed most. Kasambara gave no reason for his absence but Judge Fiona Mwale described the non-appearance as a sign he was not interested in defending the convict.

According to Mwale, the defence failed to honour the 48 hours given by the court to present their mitigating factors.

“The factors which were given later were also found to be weak and lacking integrity,” said judge Mwale.

The judge proceeded by describing Savala as a trickster saying the convict hastily registered a construction company with the purpose of stealing from the government considering that her initial business was a small enterprise; selling lipsticks.

In his remarks, cashgate Special prosecutor Kamudoni Nyasulu said as the state is satisfied with the sentence considering the gravity of the case and revealed that they intend to recover some of the money from her assets being kept by another cashgate mega thief Leornard Kalonga and accomplice Florence Chatuwa.

Savala, 33, will serve 3 years for theft and 7 years for money laundering. The sentences will run concurrently meaning she will spend 7 years in jail.