By Jones Gadama
Former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander, General Paul Valentino Phiri (Retired), is out on bail.
According to information sourced from the court, Senior Resident Magistrate Shukurani Kumbani has released General Phiri on a K10 million cash bail bond with two sureties bonded at K20 million each.
As part of his strict bail conditions, Magistrate Kumbani has ordered the former army chief to be reporting to police once every month until his trial concludes.
The court has set November 12, 2026 as the date when the full trial will commence.
General Phiri appeared in court on Friday, just a day after the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) pounced on him. The ACB says Phiri is answering five serious counts bordering on abuse of office and dealing in terrorist property.
His lawyer, Powell Nkhutabasa, confirmed after the bail ruling that his client was officially informed why he was detained.
Nkhutabasa also disclosed that among the allegations is contravening procurement procedures.
“The General was informed of the reasons why he had been detained. After that, we made an application for bail, and the court has since released him on bail,” Nkhutabasa said.
According to the ACB press statement released earlier, the charges emanate from allegations that General Phiri facilitated illegal arms trafficking in June and July 2025.
The retired General spent Thursday night in custody after his initial court appearance was postponed at the last minute.
