Osward Lutepo convicted
The High Court in Zomba has found former People’s Party top official and business person Osward Lutepo guilty in a Cashgate case.
Lutepo is being accused of money laundering contrary to Section 35 (1) (c) of Money Laundering, Proceeds of Serious Crimes and Terrorist Financing Act of 2006 and Conspiracy to Defraud contrary to Section 323 of the Penal Code.
Lutepo, who was in a wheelchair, was also present at the Court and pleaded guilty to all charges.
In an interview with The Daily Times after the court proceedings, Lutepo’s lawyer, Oswald Mtupila, said it was relevant to keep less time for the case as he opted for an earlier judgment on the matter.
“We were denying the charges at first because there was much tension on this case and as you know you can see that it was an issue that led to Mr Lutepo falling sick,” he said.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions Mary Kachale said: “We thought it wise to look into the beneficiaries of the convict first so that they should be returned to the government.”
However, Judge Redson Kapindu, said he will deliver his ruling on July 30 this year under various conditions.
According to Kapindu, all Lutepo’s property should be confiscated by June 25.
He also said all his assets that are outside the country should be returned to Malawi by June 19.
Meanwhile, Lutepo will be kept at Zomba Maximum Security Prison until the day of judgment where he will be treated as all prisoners.
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