Blantyre High Court Set to Rule on Chisale Property Forfeiture Case
The High Court in Blantyre is scheduled to rule on November 20, 2024, regarding a state application to permanently forfeit property belonging to Norman Chisale, former aide to ex-president Peter Mutharika.
High Court Judge Anneline Kanthambi heard arguments from Chief State Advocate Pirirani Masanjala, who urged for a timely conclusion, emphasizing the risk of property devaluation on the K1.7 billion in assets.
Representing Chisale, lawyer Chancy Gondwe raised objections, seeking dismissal on grounds that the case was previously referred to Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda as a constitutional matter. Gondwe also questioned the state’s decision to file a new forfeiture application when a similar case was initially filed in 2022.
The assets, seized in 2021, are alleged to have been acquired through proceeds of crime in violation of the Financial Crimes Act. Judge Kanthambi will issue her decision on November 20.
