By Chisomo Phiri
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala has announced the withdrawal of “cementgate” charges against two businesspersons, Mahmed Shafee Ahmed Chunara and Ahmed Mohammed Chunara.
The duo was among five individuals accused of misusing former President Peter Mutharika’s presidential privilege to import duty-free goods for personal use.
In a statement, Chamkakala confirmed that one of the two individuals will become a state witness, although he did not disclose the identity of the individual.
“They have admitted liability to tax infractions and are paying the tax and penalties as prescribed under the relevant tax laws,” he said.
Chamkakala added that he needs to verify the exact amount to be repaid.
The remaining suspects include Mutharika’s former bodyguard, Norman Paulosi Chisale, former director general of State Residences, Peter Mukhito, and former Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) deputy commissioner general, Roza Mbilizi.
According to documents filed in the High Court in 2022, Mahmed Shafee Ahmed Chunara allegedly imported 1,250,770 bags of cement duty-free between November 2018 and December 2019, claiming it was for Mutharika’s personal use.
 Masauko Chamkakala has announced the withdrawal of “cementgate” charges against two businesspersons, Mahmed Shafee Ahmed Chunara and Ahmed Mohammed Chunara. The duo…){kind=link}