Supreme Court Orders Leston Mulli to Repay K3 Billion in Compensation

Landmark ruling overturns 2013 High Court decision tied to July 20, 2011 protests

The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal has ordered prominent businessperson Leston Mulli to return approximately K3 billion that he received from the government as compensation for losses allegedly suffered during the July 20, 2011 nationwide demonstrations.

The decision comes after the Office of the Attorney General filed an appeal challenging the High Court ruling of March 22, 2013, which had awarded Mulli the substantial payout.

Appearing before a panel of seven justices of appeal, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda argued that the compensation was awarded without a proper trial, cross-examination, or independent expert assessment of the alleged damages. He further contended that the process had bypassed critical judicial procedures, resulting in an unjustified financial burden on the public purse.

The Supreme Court agreed with the Attorney General’s submissions, emphasizing that due legal processes must be followed in compensation claims, especially those involving such significant sums of public funds.

Mulli, a politically connected figure and managing director of Mulli Brothers Limited, had claimed that his businesses were unfairly targeted and damaged during the 2011 demonstrations, which turned violent in several cities as citizens protested poor governance and economic mismanagement under the late President Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration.

The 2013 High Court ruling, now overturned, had sparked controversy and public debate, with civil society organizations and legal experts questioning the transparency of the compensation process.

This new Supreme Court judgment marks a significant victory for the Office of the Attorney General and sets a precedent for stricter scrutiny in future government compensation cases.

It remains to be seen how and when Mulli will comply with the court’s order to return the funds.