The forfeiture case involving Norman Chisale, aide to former president Peter Mutharika has failed to start today at the High Court sitting in Blantyre as the defense has made two applications which have halted the proceeding.

The case was scheduled to commence today having failed previously as the court was dealing with other applications from involved parties.

Chancy Gondwe, lawyer representing Chisale filed two applications where he demands disclosure of documents which police seized from Chisale during the arrest.

He claimed the documents are important in the case.

The defense also applied that the state has sued wrong parties saying the matter is under civil forfeiture proceedings where the state was not supposed to challenge individuals.

Judge Anneline Kanthambi has since set February 25, 2025 to hear and make a determination on the two applications.

Chisale’s property was seized in 2021 for being suspected to be acquired using dubious means.

The state now wants to permanently take custody of the assets so that they can be sold and recover the money.