The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed an application at the High Court's Financial Crimes Division seeking leave to discontinue criminal proceedings against convicted Chinese national Lin Yunhua. According to The Maravi Post, the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the ACB to drop the case, which involves allegations of Lin bribing prison officials for special privileges. Prosecutors indicated the misconduct would instead be handled through internal administrative prison processes. In response, Nyasa Times reports that anti-corruption campaigners and legal experts have condemned the move, warning it damages public trust and sets a bad precedent in the fight against corruption.
Meanwhile, Lilongwe is hosting top law enforcement officials for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chiefs of Police and INTERPOL meetings to coordinate regional security efforts. According to Swazi24, Malawi Police Service Deputy Inspector General for Operations Dr. Mlowoka Noel Kaira opened the sessions by emphasising the need for better cross-border intelligence sharing to combat transnational organised crime, cybercrime, and smuggling.
Update: In another legal setback for the ACB, High Court Judge Redson Kapindu has officially set aside a restriction notice that prevented Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company from handling inventory belonging to East Bridge. As reported by Nyasa Times, the court ruled the anti-graft body acted unlawfully by issuing a renewed restriction notice after the original order expired without first obtaining judicial approval, clearing the way for East Bridge to access its tobacco stocks.