The Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has adjourned proceedings in the case of Lin Yunhua, a Chinese national convicted of wildlife crimes and money laundering, who is now accused of bribing a judge and leaving Maula Prison unlawfully during his sentence.

Yunhua, currently serving a 14-year sentence at Domasi Prison in Zomba, faces additional charges of corrupt practices with public officers under Section 24 of the Corrupt Practices Act, along with seven other offenses.

While on remand at Maula Prison, Yunhua allegedly attempted to bribe Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda, the officer in charge of Maula Prison, by offering 30 million kwacha and the completion of construction work. The bribe was allegedly an inducement to allow Yunhua to leave the prison to purchase agricultural seeds for his garden at Maula.

On Wednesday, Precious Kalulu, representing Yunhua’s lawyer Fostino Mayere, requested an adjournment, citing Mayere’s engagement in another case at the High Court. The request was granted by Principal Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe.

Principal Legal and Prosecution Officer at the Anti-Corruption Bureau,Peter Sambani, has affirmed the state’s readiness to proceed with the case. Magistrate Michongwe, however, cautioned the defense team that further delays would not prevent the court from moving forward with the matter.

The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption and enforce the rule of law in Malawi.

Source:MIJ Online