MALAWI: Ex-leader 'ready to die in court'

An exhausted and seemingly pain-filled former Malawi president, Bakili Muluzi, braved the pain in his back and forced himself to appear in court to personally be part of the defence in his MK1.7 billion corruption case. He told reporters through his lawyer that he was ready to die than be tried in absentia. Muluzi, who is defending himself alongside his former personal assistant, Lyness Whisky, forced an early adjournment on Thursday for a morning recess to stretch himself. “He is not alright, but he vowed he would rather die in court. He feels the nature of the case requires his presence and is determined to walk his last mile seeking justice,” said one of his lawyers, Jai Banda. The flailing former leader was allowed a five-day bed rest by High Court Judge McLean Kamwambe. The judge also recognized that Muluzi was in court at his own volition and choice as the court granted him the court leave. Meanwhile, prosecutors of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) continued to present more account details into Muluzi’s financial dealings. Entries into his Finance Bank, Loita and Standard Banks were all presented. Some of the funds are said to have been used to purchase vehicles and construct the multi-million Keza Office Park in the commercial City of Blantyre. Kamwambe again granted the defence team a 15 minutes recess and when the team asked for another recess at 11:15am, Judge Kamwambe adjourned hearing to Friday morning, today. Source: Mtheto Lungu, AfricaNews reporter in Lilongwe, Malawi < Prev   Next >