By Burnett Munthali
The Financial Crimes Division of the High Court in Lilongwe has ordered the seizure of a piece of land located in the protected Kanjedza Forest area of Blantyre.
The land is reportedly linked to former cabinet minister Charles Mchacha, who is currently facing corruption-related charges.
According to a public notice issued by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Mchacha is being prosecuted for allegedly influencing public officers to unlawfully process a lease for the land.
The land in question, identified as Plot Number LW 1366, is registered under Mchacha’s name.
However, it is legally owned by the Department of Forestry and falls within a protected forest reserve.
The High Court has directed that the property be placed under the custody and control of the ACB.
This follows an application by the Bureau to secure the land pending the outcome of ongoing criminal proceedings.
The seizure is in accordance with Section 25A(2) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
This provision empowers the court to order the temporary holding of property suspected to be connected to corrupt practices.
The purpose of such an order is to preserve the asset until the conclusion of the related criminal matter or until further instructions are issued by the court.
Justice A. Kandulu signed the order, giving it full legal effect.
The court order also stipulates that any party affected by the decision has the right to apply for a variation of the order within 14 days.
Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Bureau is required to serve the court order to the respondent, Charles Mchacha, within seven days.
The case adds to a series of high-profile corruption investigations currently being handled by the ACB.
It also underscores the Bureau’s increasing use of legal tools to preserve property suspected of being acquired through corrupt means.
The development marks another significant step in Malawi’s ongoing fight against corruption and the misuse of public assets.
Charles Mchacha has not publicly responded to the court’s decision as of the time of reporting.
The outcome of the criminal proceedings will determine whether the land remains permanently confiscated or returned.
