By Daniel Zimba:
The High Court of Malawi Financial Crimes Division is set to determine whether former Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) board chairperson Jean Mathanga and three co-defendants will face charges in a high-profile corruption case concerning the procurement of Escom equipment.
Mathanga—along with former Escom chief executive officer John Kandulu, former director of procurement Fanuel Nkhono and former senior procurement manager Emmilius Kandapo— is accused of violating procurement procedures involving resources valued at K4.6 billion in 2016.
After hearing the last of the 11 State witnesses Wednesday, High Court Judge Violet Chipawo adjourned the case to July 17, 2025.
During this time, the defendants are expected to submit their final arguments before the court issues a ruling on July 10, 2025.
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The adjournment came after the defendants’ lawyers asked for an extension of 60 days for their final submissions, which the court granted despite objections from State prosecutors.
State lawyers proposed that the court allow 30 days for the defendants, followed by an additional 14 days for the State, arguing that the case has already experienced significant delays.
The final State witness, David Duma, who is the owner of Orange Hill Trading, testified that he supplied PG clumps worth K35 million to Escom after being instructed by Kandapo.
However, he noted that no further action regarding the contract was taken.
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Following the adjournment, Powell Nkutabasa, the lawyer representing Mathanga, expressed satisfaction that the court granted their request for a 60-day extension.
Nkutabasa emphasised the defendants’ commitment to complying with the court’s order and provide their submissions within the allotted timeframe.
“The State has closed its case and the court has directed that we should make our submissions. We will abide by this requirement,” Nkudabasa assured.
Representing the State is the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), with senior legal and prosecutions officer Ellen Chandilanga expressing confidence in the prosecution’s case.
“We, as the State, are confident that we have presented our case and that after presenting our submissions, we will proceed to defence,” Chandilanga said.
The court has been hearing this case since 2021.
