The Malawi government has secured a legal victory in the United States regarding its $309 billion tax evasion claim against Columbia Gem House, according to Nation Online. In an order dated March 18, a US District Court in Washington granted Malawi's motion for reconsideration, allowing the state to proceed with the discovery of evidence against the American gemstone company. The dispute centres on allegations that Columbia Gem House evaded taxes through its connection to Nyala Mines Limited. The judge limited the scope of the discovery to financial records between October 2007 and November 2021.
Locally, motorists and transport stakeholders are raising concerns over a new Treasury directive that requires the Malawi Police Service to collect K22 billion in revenue during the 2026/2027 financial year, Nyasa Times reports. The target represents a 48 percent increase from the previous year's K12 billion goal. The Transporters Association of Malawi warned that the quota could turn traffic enforcement into a revenue collection exercise, potentially increasing bribery risks on the roads. However, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito countered that the figure is achievable without burdening drivers as long as motorists comply with traffic regulations and officers avoid corrupt practices.
In other governance news, the Ministry of Justice has initiated the formal search for a new Director General for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). According to Nyasa Times, 50 candidates applied and are scheduled to be interviewed by a special committee before a final shortlist of three names is submitted to the President for appointment.