Malawi High Court Reserves Ruling In Cross-Border Car Theft Case

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

The High Court in Lilongwe has reserved its ruling in a high-profile cross-border car theft case involving Zimbabwean businessman Nesbert Mukora and Malawian entrepreneur Yollam Kawanga.

The case revolves around a Toyota Land Cruiser 300, valued at K300 million, which has become the subject of an international legal dispute involving Interpol, the Malawi Police Service, and South African authorities.

According to a statement dated 18 August 2025 by Captain Jeffry Barry Lucas of South Africa’s International Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, the vehicle was reported stolen by a South African woman, Jolene Margaret Janse Van Vuuren.

However, a separate report from Superintendent Kettie Msowoya of the Malawi Police Service, dated 9 October 2025, contradicts that claim, stating that the vehicle was never flagged as stolen in any jurisdiction effectively clearing the way for Kawanga’s legal ownership.

Representing Mukora, lawyer Khwima Mchizi urged the court to set aside a previous default judgment granted in Kawanga’s favour and to allow Interpol to retain custody of the vehicle while investigations continue.

“We are simply asking the court to permit Interpol to keep the vehicle until all verifications are completed, to ensure justice is properly served,” said Mchizi.

On the other hand, Kawanga’s lawyer Bright Mwala maintained that his client lawfully acquired the vehicle.

“My client purchased the vehicle through proper channels, and all relevant documentation was verified by authorities. There is no legal basis to seize it again,” Mwala said.

Presiding Judge Justice Violet Chipao said the court would deliver its ruling after reviewing submissions from both sides.