According to Nyasa Times, controversial businessman Chaudhry Azhar Mahmood and his wife, Neelam Azhar Mahmood, have secured a temporary stay order from the Limbe Magistrate Court to suspend their arrest warrants. The publication notes that the couple faces criminal allegations of fraudulently obtaining Malawian citizenship, misrepresenting their diplomatic status, and making false declarations to public officers.
Lead counsel Bright Theu confirmed to Nyasa Times that the stay order remains in effect until a scheduled court hearing determines if the warrants will be permanently vacated. The news outlet also reports that private prosecutors have petitioned the Director of Public Prosecutions to grant consent for them to join the legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, a 47-year-old man in Neno District will serve an 11-year prison sentence following a recent conviction. Face of Malawi reports that the Neno First Grade Magistrate Court sentenced Chatulukira Dzokole to imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 14-year-old girl.