By Rahim Abdul
The long-running asset forfeiture case involving Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale has taken a new turn after the High Court in Blantyre approved a settlement between Chisale and the State over assets valued at more than K5 billion.
The decision follows an agreement reached between Chisale and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Fostino Maele, to resolve the matter.
Chisale now a free man
The High Court initially rejected an application by Maele to discontinue the case, arguing that there was no legal provision permitting the parties to settle the matter in that manner.
Chisale subsequently appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s position on the proposed settlement.
In its ruling, Supreme Court Judge Dingiswayo Madise said the law does not prescribe how parties to a dispute should resolve their differences when they reach an agreement.
Justice Madise further ruled that the court does not have the authority to compel the DPP to continue with proceedings that the prosecution has decided to discontinue.
The case concerns assets which the State alleges were acquired unlawfully, prompting authorities to seek their forfeiture.
The State sought to recover K1.7 billion in cash, 21 properties and 63 motor vehicles allegedly linked to Chisale.
