By Chisomo Phiri
The High Court in Blantyre is set to deliver a ruling on November 20, 2024, regarding the state’s application to permanently forfeit property belonging to Norman Chisale, a former aide to President Peter Mutharika.
The state is seeking to seize assets worth approximately K1.7 billion, claiming they were acquired through proceeds of crime, which violates the Financial Crimes Act.
On Tuesday, High Court judge Anneline Kanthambi heard arguments from the state on why it wants to seize the assets.
Chief State Advocate Pirirani Masanjala emphasized the importance of a timely conclusion to the case, as the property’s value might depreciate.
On the other hand, Chisale’s lawyer, Chancy Gondwe, argued that the case should be dismissed since it has already been referred to the Chief Justice for certification as a constitutional matter.
Gondwe also questioned the state’s reasoning for submitting another application for forfeiture when a similar case was filed in 2022.
The assets in question were seized in 2021, and Chisale is accused of accumulating them through illegal means.
Therefore, Judge Kanthambi will deliver her determination on the case on November 20, 2024 .
