By Jones Gadama
The Lilongwe Magistrate Court has dismissed a request by businessperson Alfred Gangata’s lawyers to dismiss some of the charges he is facing.
Gangata is accused of falsifying tax records, forgery, uttering false documents from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), and concluding a transaction without a tax clearance certificate.
Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu delivered the ruling, stating that the charges are still relevant and the court will proceed with the trial. Gangata’s lawyer, Zwelethini Chipembere, had argued that some of the counts on the charge sheet are old and should be dropped.
However, the court disagreed, paving the way for the trial to continue.
The State Prosecutor, Watson Chirwa, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial on the set date of commencement.
The case has been adjourned to May 23, 2025, for further proceedings.
The allegations against Gangata stem from his alleged preparation of a false tax clearance certificate between 2017 and 2018 to meet the bidding process requirements advertised by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).
According to court documents, Gangata is accused of contravening Section 112(4) of the Taxation Act and Section 336 of the Penal Code.
The court’s decision to uphold the charges has significant implications for Gangata and the DPP.
The party has expressed concerns that the arrest warrant is a politically motivated move aimed at stifling the opposition’s momentum.
The DPP has vowed to continue its political activities, despite the intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party.
Gangata’s case has raised questions about the independence of the judiciary and the police’s impartiality in handling cases involving opposition figures.
As the country gears up for the 2025 general elections, the opposition has expressed concerns about the ruling party’s intentions to use state institutions to suppress dissenting voices.
The DPP has called upon the international community to take note of the developments and to exert pressure on the Malawi government to respect human rights and the rule of law.
The party has also urged its supporters to remain calm and to continue participating in peaceful political activities.
The case will proceed to trial on May 23, 2025, where Gangata will face charges of falsifying tax records, forgery, uttering false documents, and concluding a transaction without a tax clearance certificate.
As the drama unfolds, Malawians are watching with bated breath to see how the situation will play out.
The arrest warrant issued for Gangata has set the stage for a tense and potentially explosive political showdown in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.
