The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed an application by former president, Peter Mutharika and former secretary to the president and cabinet, Lloyd Muhara who wanted the court to suspend the payment of their costs.
Two weeks ago, Court ordered Mutharika and Muhara, to pay Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and Association of Magistrates K69.5 million for their role in the alleged plot to remove Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda and Justice of Appeal Edward Twea.
Mutharika and Muhara were also ordered to pay K26 million each to Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and Association of Magistrates while the Law Society will get K43 million.
Muhara and Mutharika were given 14 days to pay the costs.
But the two applied to the High Court to suspend the enforcement of earlier Judgement by Justice Charles Mkandawire who found the two guilty and ordered them to pay costs.
In their argument, the defense lawyers argued that the 69.5 million kwacha costs shouldnt be paid yet as they may appeal the case.
They further argued that if paid, it will be difficult for Muhara and Mutharika to get back their money if the Supreme Court rules in their favour, saying the claimants would have spent the money by that time.
Delivering his ruling on the application Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda stated that he sees no reasonable merit in the submission by Mutharika and Muhara lawyers and therefore dismissed the application with costs.
The development means Mutharika and Muhara have to pay the said costs within a period of 14 days.
More details to follow..
