Director of Public Prosecutions Fostino Maele has officially discontinued the K5 billion unexplained wealth and money laundering case against Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale, according to the Nyasa Times. The decision was confirmed in court by Judge Violet Chipao on March 13, 2026. Maele cited a conflict of interest due to his previous legal representation of Chisale and sought direction from Attorney General Frank Mbeta, who instructed that the prosecution be halted. The Nyasa Times reports that the dismissal could trigger the release of Chisale's previously seized assets, which include 21 properties, 86 vehicles, and frozen bank accounts holding approximately K1.7 billion.
In a separate ruling, the Malawi High Court in Lilongwe has overturned a lower court order that would have permitted the extradition of Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to South Africa, according to the Times of Eswatini. The earlier magistrate ruling from March 12 was set aside, halting the legal process to send the couple back to face trial for a R102 million fraud and money laundering case. The High Court determined that the magistrate failed to properly evaluate the grounds for the extradition request, officially blocking the South African government's efforts to compel their return.
Meanwhile, the corruption trial of Chinese national Lin Yinhua was delayed again at the High Court in Lilongwe on March 16, according to the Nyasa Times. High Court Judge Redson Kapindu granted a last-minute adjournment and expressed frustration after lead defence lawyer Powell Nkhutabasa failed to appear for the proceedings. The Maravi Post reports that the Anti-Corruption Bureau was fully prepared to present 16 witnesses for the full trial. Lin is facing seven charges, including allegations that he offered a K30 million bribe to a Maula Prison officer to secure a more lenient sentence in a previous wildlife crime case.