The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa has given the state an extra 45 days for investigations in a case involving former Reserve Bank of Malawi Governor Dalitso Kabambe and 3 others.

The three co-accused persons who are Rodrick Wiyo, Leah Ndonga, and Henry Mathanga along Kabambe appeared before the court Thursday morning for plea taking.

They are accused of money laundering, negligence, and theft.

During the court proceedings, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Steven Kayuni told the court that the state needs more time for further investigations and preparation of disclosures.

Kayuni indicated that since the release of the RBM forensic audit report, more parties are involved in the criminal investigation process, including the Fiscal Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), and Financial Intelligence Authority.

However, Kabambe’s legal counsel Khumbo Soko expressed disappointment with the delay by the state saying it was wrong to make arrests before concluding investigations.

Chief Resident Magistrate Chirwa has since adjourned the case for 45 days.

Chirwa indicated that the next session would be a case management meeting on September 15 in the chamber.

Meanwhile, the four are accused of abuse of office when they paid a compensation of K4.3 billion to FDH Bank without prior approval of the board.