Malawi High Court Rejects Dalitso Kabambe’s Bid To Postpone Fraud Trial

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed a request by former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor and presidential aspirant, Dalitso Kabambe, and his co-accused to have their K13.6 billion fraud case postponed until after the September 16, 2025 elections.

Justice Chimbigzani Kanthambi ruled that the application had no legal basis and would undermine the principle that everyone is equal before the law. Kabambe and others had argued that postponing the case would allow him to campaign freely.

Kabambe is being tried alongside Henry Mathanga, Leston Ted Mulli, Felton Mulli, Joseph Khupe, Mulli Brothers Limited and Web Commercials Limited. They are accused of orchestrating fraudulent loan arrangements for the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), involving fertilizer that was never procured and funds that were not recovered.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Masauko Chamkakala, welcomed the ruling, stressing that political ambitions cannot be used as an excuse to delay justice.

The case is still at its preliminary stage, and the accused have not yet taken a plea. The State has also said Kabambe’s physical presence in court is not mandatory since he is represented by his legal team, meaning his right to contest in the elections remains unaffected.

This development comes just a week after another court granted former President Peter Mutharika relief in his ongoing Cement Gate case, allowing him fewer court appearances until after the elections so he can campaign.