A Lilongwe court seized land from former cabinet minister Charles Mchacha over corruption allegations. The Financial Crimes Division ordered the Anti-Corruption Bureau to take control of Plot Number LW 1366 near Blantyre. Justice A. Kandulu signed the seizure order after ACB lawyers argued Mchacha abused his government position. The disputed property sits inside Kanjedza Forest Reserve which belongs to the Forestry Department. Corruption investigators claim the minister used illegal methods to secure the forest lease.
The Corrupt Practices Act allows courts to grab property suspected of coming from criminal activities. Section 25A gives judges power to seize assets before corruption trials finish and reach final verdicts. The court placed the forest plot under ACB custody until criminal cases conclude. Any affected person can challenge the seizure order within fourteen days of receiving official notice. Court officials must deliver seizure papers to Mchacha within seven days of issuing the order.
The land will remain frozen until corruption proceedings end or judges decide its final fate. Courts can dispose of seized property after criminal trials finish through ACB applications or legal requirements. The case represents government efforts to recover assets obtained through corrupt practices by public officials.
The Corrupt Practices Act allows courts to grab property suspected of coming from criminal activities. Section 25A gives judges power to seize assets before corruption trials finish and reach final verdicts. The court placed the forest plot under ACB custody until criminal cases conclude. Any affected person can challenge the seizure order within fourteen days of receiving official notice. Court officials must deliver seizure papers to Mchacha within seven days of issuing the order.
The land will remain frozen until corruption proceedings end or judges decide its final fate. Courts can dispose of seized property after criminal trials finish through ACB applications or legal requirements. The case represents government efforts to recover assets obtained through corrupt practices by public officials.
