Malawi's High Court Reinstates 2006 Treason Case Against Former VP Cassim Chilumpha

The High Court of Malawi has reinstated a treason case against former Vice President Cassim Chilumpha, accused of plotting to assassinate ex-President Bingu wa Mutharika. The trial is set to take place from September 16 to 20, 2024.

High Court Judge Ruth Chinangwa ruled that the case, which was discontinued earlier this year, would proceed. The judge cited Section 247(1) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code (Cpec), which allows for a case to be reinstated within 12 months of its discharge. The judge acknowledged the 15-year delay in prosecuting the matter but emphasized the importance of upholding the law.

Chilumpha, along with co-accused Yusuf Matumula, faces charges of treason and conspiracy to murder. The charges stem from allegations that the two hired assassins from South Africa to kill Bingu wa Mutharika. Chilumpha and Matumula were arrested in May 2006, and the case was last heard in January 2008.

The reinstatement of the treason case against former VP Cassim Chilumpha has significant implications for Malawi's political environment and the rule of law. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching consequences for Chilumpha's future and the country's political stability.

The defence argued that the 15-year prosecutorial delay jeopardized Chilumpha's right to a fair trial. However, Judge Chinangwa ruled that the State had shown sufficient grounds to proceed with the case. "It is this court's view that the State needs not file an application to prosecute the matter because a discharge does not operate as a bar to subsequent proceedings on the same facts if carried out within 12 months," she stated.

The reinstatement of the case marks a significant development in a long-dormant matter. Chilumpha and Bingu wa Mutharika had a falling out in 2005 after Bingu left the United Democratic Front to form the Democratic Progressive Party. The trial's outcome could have serious ramifications for Chilumpha's future.

The High Court's decision to proceed with the trial highlights the complexity and prolonged nature of this high-profile case. The trial dates set for September 2024 will be closely watched as Malawi revisits this significant chapter in its political history.

Key Takeaways

• Malawi's High Court reinstates treason case against former VP Cassim Chilumpha.
• Chilumpha accused of plotting to assassinate ex-President Bingu wa Mutharika in 2006.
• Trial set for September 16-20, 2024, after 15-year delay.
• Chilumpha faces charges of treason and conspiracy to murder.
• Outcome may have significant implications for Malawi's political environment.