Government has withdrawn an appeal against a stay order granted to Malawi Law Society over the interdiction of the Anti-Corruption Buerau Director General Martha Chizuma.
Justice John Katsala heard the matter on Monday morning and the Malawi Law Society did not object to the withdrawal. He formally withdrew the case.
The Judge also refused to grant costs in the matter as both sides had indicated they were working pro-bono in the case.
The withdrawal makes an end to a remarkable legal whirlwind that has surrounded the fate of Chizuma since she was arrested on December 5, 2022.Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala withdrew criminal defamation charges against Chizuma. The cases were used by Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba to write an interdiction letter whose legality is being questioned by the Law Society.
Legal expert Danwood Chirwa said over the weekend Malawians should not celebrate yet, pointing out that the State is at liberty to bring back the charges within the next six months.
The decision to prosecute Chizuma by the State riled local and international experts with global media picking up the story and accusing President Lazarus Chakwera of shielding the corrupt by harassing Chizuma.