Malawi Court Discharges Ex-Minister Cecilia Chazama in Immigration Abuse Case

The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre has discharged former Homeland Security Minister Cecilia Chazama, along with three senior officials from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, bringing an end to a long-running abuse of office case after the State failed to prosecute the matter.

The ruling, delivered by Chief Resident Magistrate Paul Chiotcha and dated May 6, 2026, also involved former immigration officials Masauko Katchule Medi, Pudenciana Makalamba, and Chandiwira Chandy Chidothe, who were all facing similar charges.

The case stemmed from allegations of abuse of public office linked to a 2017 recruitment exercise for immigration constables, which was later pursued by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

However, the court found that the prosecution failed to sustain the case, leading to the discharge of all accused persons.

According to the court ruling, the State repeatedly failed to advance the trial, including missing witness appearances and requesting several adjournments that delayed proceedings.

The court also noted that the prosecution failed to comply with an April 2024 order requiring disclosure of key documents relevant to the case.

Despite being granted multiple extensions, the State neither produced the required documents nor gave a satisfactory explanation for the delays.

In addition, the court considered an application filed by Chandiwira Chandy Chidothe through his lawyer Bright Theu, who had requested either a discharge or dismissal of the charges.

Magistrate Chiotcha observed that the State appeared unable or unwilling to proceed with the case, noting the absence of convincing reasons for further adjournments and a lack of progress since the last hearing in October 2024.

With the ruling, the court effectively brought the matter to a close, discharging all accused due to the prosecution’s failure to continue with the case.