The Financial Crimes Division of the High Court on Tuesday varied bail conditions for Vice President Saulos Chilima, saying as deputy Head of State he cannot be deemed a flight risk.
The court is expected to make more rulings on 25th August, 2025 on objections and applications from Chilimas defence team which includes a challenge to the changing of charge sheet, full disclosures before plea is taken and that one ACB prosecutor is not fit to prosecute the Vice President.
Chilima applied to have his bail conditions varied which included reporting to ACB every three months and surrendering his passport to ACB.
Presiding Judge Redson Kapindu agreed with Chilima’s team application saying the bail conditions did not serve passport.
He said in future Chilima will be required to notify the ACB 72 hours before his intended foreign trips. He said this was notice not authorisation to travel.
The court however has ordered Chilima to inform ACB his whereabouts every two weeks until his case is concluded.
Kapindu ordered that Chilimas passport be kept by the President.
Judge Kapindu said bail conditions reflect the flight risk of any suspect and there was no doubt that Chilima who is guarded by Malawi Police Service would be a flight risk.
