A K824 billion breach of contract lawsuit involving the Malawi Government, Prima Fuels Limited, and TotalEnergies Marketing Malawi has stalled at the High Court Commercial Division due to a lack of available witnesses, according to Malawi Nation. The trial was initially scheduled for mid-May, but the Attorney General's office informed the court that several key State witnesses had either retired or died. The court granted an extension for filing witness statements, and Attorney General Frank Mbeta confirmed that parties are still resolving procedural issues and preparing documentation.
In a separate legal development, President Peter Mutharika has appointed new members to the Judicial Service Commission, African Culture TV reports. According to a government statement, the commission will be chaired by the Chief Justice. The newly appointed members include Justice Ophrah Dorothy Kamanga, Violet Palikena Chipao, Senior Resident Magistrate Ellen Chapita, Edith Chikagwa, Patrice C. Nkhono, Chikosa Banda, Dr. Rabiya Hanif, and Victor Chagunyuka Mhango. The appointments were made in accordance with Section 117 of the Constitution.
Update: The courts have granted former Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda protection from further arrests, Malawi Nation reports. The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate's Court ordered that any new proceedings against him must be initiated via summons. Chithyola Banda is currently facing abuse of office charges relating to his alleged authorization of payments for a controversial K25 billion fertilizer supply contract with East Bridge Romania Co. Ltd. He remains free on bail after fulfilling court conditions that include a K2 million cash bond, the surrender of his travel documents, and regular police check-ins.