By Our Reporter

Former Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda is expected to appear before the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court on August 7, 2026, to take plea in a corruption case involving the alleged abuse of public office over approximately K29.5 billion in extra-budgetary funding for the rehabilitation of the Lweya Irrigation Scheme.

The court has issued a summons directing Banda to appear in person, marking the next stage in criminal proceedings against the former Cabinet minister.

According to the charge sheet dated July 16, 2026, which has been seen by Nation Online, Banda is accused of authorising the release of K29.5 billion in funding while serving as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. Prosecutors allege that the money was approved outside the approved national budget for the Greenbelt Authority’s Lweya Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation project.ACB Secures Arrest Warrant for Opposition Leader Simplex Chithyola Banda Over K29.4 Billion Mega Farms Scandal

The matter has been registered as Criminal Case No. 1036 of 2026.

Court records indicate that the prosecution alleges the approval of the funds amounted to an abuse of office, a charge that falls under Malawi’s anti-corruption laws. The case is expected to determine whether the former minister acted unlawfully in approving the financing or whether the decision was made within the scope of his legal authority.

The court has scheduled August 7 for Banda to formally respond to the charge by entering a plea. At this stage of the proceedings, the court will read the charge to the accused, who will indicate whether he pleads guilty or not guilty before the case proceeds further.Rent shock: Chithyola banda blasts 65% MHC hike, accuses government of ‘milking Malawians dry’

Earlier in the matter, the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court ruled that the State could not arrest Banda over the allegations. Instead, the court directed prosecutors to commence proceedings through the issuance of a summons requiring his attendance in court.

The ruling meant that any future legal action against the former finance minister would follow the normal court process without an arrest, provided he complies with the summons issued by the court.

The allegations centre on funding allocated to the rehabilitation of the Lweya Irrigation Scheme, a project under the Greenbelt Authority that is intended to enhance irrigation farming and improve agricultural productivity. Authorities are investigating whether the allocation complied with Malawi’s public finance management laws and approved budgetary procedures.Chithyola-Banda Slams K10.9 Trillion Budget, Warns of Economic Strain on Youth and Civil Servants

Extra-budgetary expenditure refers to government spending that is made outside Parliament’s approved budget. Such spending has often attracted scrutiny from oversight institutions because public funds are generally expected to be authorised through the national budget or other legally recognised processes.

The upcoming court appearance is expected to draw significant public interest given Banda’s previous role as one of the country’s top economic policymakers. As finance minister, he was responsible for overseeing national fiscal policy, government expenditure and the implementation of the national budget.

Legal experts say the plea hearing is an important procedural step but does not determine guilt or innocence. Should Banda plead not guilty, the court is expected to set dates for trial, during which the prosecution will present evidence and witnesses to support its case, while the defence will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations.

Like all accused persons, Banda is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court of law.Chakwera Deserves Another Term – Says Finance Minister Chithyola, as MCP Gains New Members

The Anti-Corruption Bureau and other relevant authorities have intensified investigations into alleged misuse of public resources in recent years, with several current and former public officials facing prosecution over corruption-related offences.

Attention will now turn to the August 7 court session, where Banda is expected to make his first formal appearance in response to the charges. The outcome of the plea hearing will determine the next steps in what is likely to be one of the closely watched corruption cases involving a former senior government official.Calm in the storm — Simplex Chithyola Banda speaks with clarity, not ambition