By Wezzie Gausi:
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Monday discontinued a case involving businessmen Ahmed Chunara and his son Mahmed, related to the importation of cement worth K5 billion.
In the criminal case concerning cement imports, the Chunaras, former president Peter Mutharika’s security aide Norman Chisale, former Chief of Staff at State Residences Peter Mukhito, and former Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Deputy Commissioner General Roza Mbilizi, were accused of abusing Mutharika’s privileges to import cement worth K5 billion duty-free.
In an interview, DPP Masauko Chamkakala said the State has only discontinued the case for the Chunaras.
He explained that their offences were typically tax-related and that they had admitted liability.
“The two have since entered into a payment plan with MRA, which encompasses payment of the tax liability and penalties as prescribed under the relevant tax legislation.
“Furthermore, the two will provide evidence on behalf of the State against the remaining accused persons,” Chamkakala said.
Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs Chairperson Peter Dimba said the committee will await a written submission for its consideration of the matter.
Dimba noted that procedurally, according to the law, the DPP has the power to discontinue criminal proceedings at any stage before judgement and is required to give reasons to the committee within 10 days for accountability purposes.
“And when a case is discontinued, the law provides for a period of up to 12 months during which the case could be resuscitated should it be found that the DPP erred in his decision,” Dimba said.
Meanwhile, the DPP indicated that the case will continue for the remaining suspects.
The suspects are alleged to have conspired to use Mutharika’s taxpayer identification number to import cement worth K5 billion duty-free.
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