Cashgate Case: Savala Gets 7 Year Jail Term

A 34 year old cashgate convict, Caroline Savala has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for her involvement in systematic looting of Government money (Cashgate) amounting to K84 thousand in 2013.

When passing the sentence, Lilongwe High Court judge, Fiona Mwale described Savala as "trickster" 

Savala was found guilty and convicted of theft and money laundering after full trial. 

ACB Hiding K4 Billion Cashgate Document In Kalonga Case From DPP Office

Mary Kachale; DPP

The office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has asked court to compel sister institution, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) to release document belonging to former Chief of Tourism Leonard Kalonga, that details the distribution of K4 billion among Cashgate beneficiaries.

Kalonga was convicted following his guilty plea on conspiracy to defraud government using forged documents and paid the money to bogus suppliers. Charges includes money laundering of K520 million where he facilitated, a baited and aided acquisition of 6 Marcopolo Scania buses of Paul Mphwiyo and Money laundering which were proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013 with other persons to a tune of K3, 252, 225 billion.

On Monday, DPP, Mary Kachale informed court that ACB investigators are keeping the document which details distribution of K4 billion among cashgate beneficiaries which Kalonga had provided during 22nd October 2013 interrogation.

Kachale said attempts by her office to get the document from ACB yielded nothing for almost a year now.

Speaking in an interview, Kachale said since her office does not have powers to compel ACB to produce any document to her office, the court would be an appropriate institution at this time to force ACB release that document to her office.

She said her office is very keen to see the document and therefore could not wait and be silent any longer when several attempts to ask ACB to produce the document internally yielded nothing.

“If a document was found with Leonard Kalonga that had distribution of K4 billion, we are interested to know what did that document say, and to whom…”

She emphasized that her decision to ask the court to intervene was not to turn on her sister institution, but “this is justice” and they “just need the truth” 

While emphasizing that she waited long enough and could not remain silent as Director of Public Prosecution, Kachale also did admit that the defense has been asking the State why it never disclosed that document to court.

“When Kalonga was pleading guilty his lawyers did ask why the state never disclosed the document that was found in the office and the House of their client. We committed we are going to investigate and find out but those investigations have yielded nothing, that’s why I brought it up in court to say the court should assist” she said 

Kachale has also put to question the the failure of the ACB Investigators to disclose such an important document to DPP office. She further raised her perplex questions on whether if or not there is need for powers of her office on ACB investigations.

   

“You have noticed that we work very well with the prosecutors in ACB. There is power that the Director of Public Prosecution has a say in what prosecutors in the ACB do under the consent, but Investigators in the ACB are not answerable in any way to the Director of Public Prosecution. So, may be this calls into question that I always ask; who watches the watchmen, who polices the investigators?

Should the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, may be have some powers also in terms of evidence? ….It’s a difficult question I am raising now I know am raising it deliberately because it has taken us one year and there about to try to get that document but we are not getting it.”

CashGate Case: State, Defense Differs On Kalonga Sentencing Submissions Facts: Court Reserves Ruling To Wednesday

The High Court in Lilongwe has reserved its ruling to Wednesday on differences on the facts relating to sentence submissions between the State and Defense in the cashgate case of former Chief of Tourism, Leonard Kalonga.

Kalonga was convicted following his own guilty plea for defrauding government money more than K3 billion between April and September 2013.

In their submission, the defense claims that the convict had wanted to plead guilty at an earlier stage but the state (both DPP office and Anti Corruption Bureau ACB) had prevented him from doing so. But state is fighting back saying the claim is not true.

If the accused person at a very early stage pleads guilty, indicates other more offenses that were committed than were charged and cooperates with investigations, can have a lesser sentence unlike when someone plead guilty after the state has done all the work to prove someone guilty.

Now, the court has adjourned the case to Wednesday to deliver its determination whether or not the dispute is substantive enough to hear the witnesses. This followed State application of Newton Hearing for it to respond to the claims by defense as well as enable the court to have a clear factual basis for sentence.

Kachale

According to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale said at this stage, if the Judge decides to hear the facts in dispute which are essential for sentencing after Kalonga plea of guilty, means there would be ‘Newton Hearing’ whereby court will hear witnesses on facts that parties are disagreeing on.

Defense lawyer Emmanuel Theu told court that the Newton hearing application was unnecessary.

But Kachale said the state is prepared to have witnesses from ACB and DPP office to prove that the defense claims are not true. 

“If indeed it would transpire that it is true then let the court be the one to determine that, but we cannot allow such an allegation to just go without making attempts to dispute them.” Said Kachale

“We have been hearing too many allegations of perverting the course of justice. Now what we are saying and what I am saying as Director of Public Prosecution is that the submissions made by the defense seems to imply as if the office of the Director of Public Prosecution or the ACB were perverting the course of justice in preventing Leonard Kalonga from pleading guilty at an early stage. That’s too serious allegation to leave without disputing. 

If indeed Mr. Kalonga has the good course to do that then let Malawians know the truth through the court.”

Cashgate Case: Kalonga Ready For Restitution As Case Adjourns For Sentencing Submissions

Cashgate convict, Leonard Kalonga who is former Chief of Tourism, has told court that he is set to make restitution of millions of money he stole from Government as his case adjourns to 29th February for sentencing submissions.

The Lilongwe High Court convicted Leonard Kalonga and and is in prison pending his sentence for defrauding government money amounting to K3 billion between April and September 2013. He pleaded guilty to three counts and got convicted before Justice Fiona Mwale. 

The case has been adjourned to 29th February for sentencing submissions then, court is expected to set another date for sentencing.

The court has adjourned because the defense wants some ample time to make restitution of some of the assets that were stolen and another reason was an in-house between Kalonga and his lawyer.

Reyneck Matemba

The Anti-Corruption Bureau Deputy Director General Reyneck Matemba leading prosecution of the case  said the State did not object this adjournment request from defense because their main and ultimate priority is "to recover as much as possible and as much as we can"

"So giving somebody an opportunity to pay back we thought that was reasonable. But after 29th February we will not entertain any adjournment. We will proceed with or without restitution because we have our own ways of recovering assets" said Matemba

However, it is not known even to the State of how much money Karonga is set to give back to Government. But Matemba says the restitution by Karonga is most welcome.

"This is a very good development and we well come it" he said 

Former Chief of Tourism, Leonard Kalonga was found guilty and convicted of conspiracy to defraud government using forged documents and paid the money to bogus suppliers. 

Other charges includes money laundering of K520 million where he facilitated, a baited and aided acquisition of 6 Marcopolo Scania buses of Paul Mphwiyo and Money laundering which were proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013 with other persons to a tune of K3, 252, 225 billion. 

Kalonga pleaded guilty to all charges and made revelation of genesis of Cashgate and named some of the key figures in government who became defrauders

He disclosed that himself recruited 17 companies to steal from government and in his voluntary confession statement, Kalonga also implicated former president Dr. Joyce Banda as person who instigated the scam for she wanted to use the money for 2014 General Election Campaign.

Judicial Complex, New Structures To End Courtroom Problems In Lilongwe

new court structure

The Malawi Judiciary says it is working against clock to ensure that Judges and Magistrates in the capital city, Lilongwe have enough courtrooms and Judge Chambers.

The assurance comes amid continued outcry by some of High Court Judges in Lilongwe who are presiding cashgate cases.

Recently Justice Fiona Mwale noted with concern of lack of enough courtrooms as a main reason which delayed sitting of  Leonard Kalonga and Angela Katengeza cashgate cases.

some buildings built at High Court premises 

Speaking to Spokesperson for Judiciary, Mlenga Mvula says the Judiciary is electrifying the problem of court spaces in Lilongwe by building new facility at the High Court premises which will house number of Judges and that there are plans to have a Judicial Complex to ease the current problem.

 “It is true that our Judges in the central region have the problem of infrastructure in terms of chambers and court rooms but government is working hand in hand with the judiciary to ease that challenge.” He said

“We are constructing a new structure that would take on board judges in Lilongwe. The building will accommodate only four to five chambers, but this means that after completion of this structure it will at least ease down the challenge we are facing at the moment.” He said while indicating that the structure after completion will have modern facilities that will enable Judges to work even during late hours.

Mvula further noted that the problem has even extended to the Commercial Court currently operating in City Centre due to insufficient space at the court premises and that Chief Residence Magistrates are also operating in a very poor environment whereby it is congested and poor infrastructure.

He then said this problem will be tackled in the plans for the construction of Judicial Complex in the City Centre.

“But we know that Government is planning to build a Judicial Complex in City Centre in Lilongwe that will take on board all the court rooms, chambers for both Magistrates as well as Judges. So we hope that if this is taken into account by the end of completion the problem might be eased. It may not be not completely ended but almost 50% to 70% of the current problem will be eased.” said Mvula

Cashgate Case: Kalonga Lawyers File Sentence Submissions On 1st October

The High Court in Lilongwe has directed parties in the Cashgate case of Leonard Kalonga to make submissions of the sentencing by the first weeks of October.

The Prosecution and Defense were back in court on Tuesday to hear directive of the court on how both parties may proceed with the case following adjournment of the case on 26th August 2015.

Reyneck Matemba 

Deputy Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Reyneck Matemba, said in an interview that during the sitting which lasted few minutes, Court directed that the Defense should file their submission on sentencing by 1st October 2015 and the state is expected to respond by 12 October 2015

"The court has directed that by 1st of October 2015, the defense should file their sentence submission. While us, the state have been asked to file our submission on sentencing by 12 October 2015." He confirmed

"After making our submissions to the court, we will wait to hear from the court on date of when to do oral submissions" Matemba explains

The ACB Deputy Director, also indicated that then, the court will make its directive of when it will pass the sentence.

Former Chief of Tourism, Leonard Kalonga was found guilty and convicted of conspiracy to defraud government using forged documents and paid the money to bogus suppliers. Other charges includes money laundering of K520 million where he facilitated, a baited and aided acquisition of 6 Marcopolo Scania buses of Paul Mphwiyo and Money laundering which were proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013 with other persons to a tune of K3, 252, 225 billion.

Kalonga pleaded guilty to all charges and made revelation that he recruited 17 companies to steal from government.

In his voluntary confession statement, Kalonga implicated former President Dr. Joyce Banda as person who instigated the scam for she wanted to use the money for 2014 General Election Campaign.

Cashgate Case: Savala Chose Silence to Prosecution Evidence

Caroline Savala out of court 

Caroline Savala has spoken nothing relating to evidence brought by prosecution that she was aware that she was stealing immediately after her company certificate was borrowed by Leonard Kalonga.

The case was back in court this Friday where prosecution was trying to prove that Savala was aware that she was stealing public by lending her company certificate to Mr.  Kalonga, former deputy director of tourism.

Caroline: looked in good spirit 

Savala accused for siphoning K84 million, appeared before Justice Fiona Mwale looking in good spirit unlike last sitting of court when she cried as she was explaining how her company certificate was used to siphon government money and consequent revocation of her bail.

Caroline: leaving court for Maula prison 

During last sitting, Savala request court to be lenient to her guilty plea on grounds that she was not aware that Kalonga would use it to steal government money. In her testimony, Savala denied to have taken part in the cashgate but admitted that she found herself in because Kalonga had used her.  

Savala said nothing to presented evidence
Against her

But this Friday, the state brought evidence documents to prove that it could not have been just Mr. Kalonga using her since her own certificate were used yet she had responsibility under that certificate. 

Questions posed to her by State Counsel, Kamudoni Nyasulu during cross examination centred on finding out from Savala if she carried out her responsibilities and obligations as a certified contractor. However, she chose not to say anything.

“I choose not to say anything” Savala maintained such reply when asked of documents and matters related to her knowledge of some individuals that includes Leonard Kalonga who she has been naming as one who dragged her into the scam.

Savala: I choose not to say anything 

From such reply, She chose to be silent for example on: whether National Construction Industry Council legislations allowed her to lend someone her company certificates; if she had relevant equipment to do the work of construction; whether she knew if Kalonga had certificates or any equipments for construction; and even if she had any knowledge of sites where Leonard Kalonga was going to do the alleged construction works from tenders which he allegedly told her that he won from government. 

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to a later date where defense is expected to bring two character witnesses; Leonard Kalonga and a church pastor.

Tisilila Kaphamtengo: I read nothing
for this case

Savala was being represented by lawyer, Tisilila Kaphamtengo who acted as agent of lawyer Raphael Kasambara who is reportedly sick, suffering from high blood pressure.

The agent lawyer did not re-examine Savala saying he knows nothing in this case.

In an interview, he described Savala silence as good position to prevent self incrimination.

Kaphamtengo: She was right for being
silent

He therefore justified defense application that Savala be allowed not to answer any questions where she would be incriminating herself.

Kaphamtengo explained that some of the questions would have lead to new more offenses other than present case which includes possibly offense of offending National Construction Industry Council legislations.

Cashgate: Katengeza Maintains Innocent Plea... Cried In Court

Katengeza hiding her face

Angela Katengeza on Tuesday, maintains she was dragged in the Cashgate scam unknowingly by convict Leonard Kalonga as the court also learn she was studying to become a Pastor when her company certificates was used to defraud government.

Katengeza owner of Faith Construction, was involved in looting of public money dubbed cashgate after her bank account had received two cheques in separate occasions without rendering any service to government.

In self confession, Leonard Kalonga said he recruited 17 contractors among them Katengeza company which brought new contractor in the scam. And that everyone was explained and aware of the scam.

However, Katengeza categorically denies any awareness of the scam and recruiter role. 

She insists, Kalonga never explained to her that he would use her company certificate to defraud government. But explained that she lend Leonard Kalonga her company certificate after he claimed that there was an emergency tender at his office which requires a construction company to place a bid but he could not use his company certificates since he was a civil servant there.

Angela Katengeza troed hard to hide
Her face

Katengeza said in his approach, Kalonga also disclosed that the work was to be done in Mangochi district where “Amayi” (Dr. Joyce Banda, Malawi’s former president) was expected to open as part of her campaign.

Katengeza who at first was serene in the court dock standing before Justice Fiona Mwale, was then shedding tears as she was responding to questions from state prosecutor, Reyneck Matemba.

Katengeza also denied claim by Kalonga statement that she brought a contractor in the scam.

“Kalonga, asked me to get him other contractors but I advised him not to do so because some contractors are untrustworthy, they can runaway with the money. But he insisted on his wish. 

Then I called my brother who always help me whenever am in trouble. I explained that there was this job which he rebuffed but Kalonga kept pressure that I should try to convince him to accept the deal. Later, he (Kalonga) continued to demand names and contact numbers for my brother’s company which I shared him so that he can just contact himself” Katengeza narrates

“If I was aware of this scam, definitely I would not have loved to put my brother in trouble. But I was cheated and used to do this work. But this was a scam by government officers and not us. Even my name including of companies implicated in this scam were never mentioned in Kalonga statement that we were present in their secret meetings. This proves that we were dragged in the scam unknowingly” said Katengeza who was sobbing as she tried to prove her innocence

It was said in the court by the state prosecutor, Reyneck Matemba that the suspect got first cheque amounting to K36 million which she deposited into her account at FDH Bank in City Centre in Lilongwe then she withdrew the money to Kalonga and a month later she did the same for second cheque amounting to K69 million.

But Katengeza told the court that from all the cheques, she only got K3 million commission which also covered costs for use of her company certificates, bank account overdraft, fuel and airtime.

She also contradicted herself during cross examination when mentioning that she used to withdraw the money in phases due to bank restrictions which permitted her to withdraw money not exceeding K20 million or sometimes K20 million. But later changed after being quizzed by the state after noting that she has changed the tune. She then went to her earlier statement that the money was withdrawn upon demand and per amount needed by Leonard Kalonga when said he needed to buy materials for the project. She also indicated that some times it was difficult to withdraw the large amount of money because ot was difficult to carry them. 

After examination in chief the suspect Katengeza looked too fatigue that she needed a court personnel to help her walk to the other side of the court dock.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to a later date for Judgment which would either see her being convicted or acquitted. The defense is expected to make written submissions by 7th of October 2015 while the prosecution will be expected to respond by 28th of October 2015.

Cashgate Case: State Seeks Withdrawal Of Kalonga From Katengeza Case

Lilongwe High Court 

Leonard Kalonga conviction of money laundering has set ground for the state to apply for his withdrawal from Angela Katengeza case. 

Katengeza, who owns Faith Construction, is jointly accused with former Deputy Director in the Ministry of Tourism, Leonard Kalonga for the siphoning of K105. 6 million. 

The High Court in Lilongwe has received an application on Thursday from the state, seeking withdrawal of cashgate convict Leonard Kalonga from the case he jointly accused with Angela Katengeza 

This follows Kalonga conviction of money laundering of K3 billion whose particulars of the offense are the same with that which were jointly charged with Angela Katengeza on second count of money laundering. 

"According to the law section 131 of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code, you can not proceed prosecuting that person. If you have been convicted or acquitted, on an offense which has same facts of a similar offense." said Anti-Corruption Bureau Deputy Director General Reyneck Matemba in an interview 

Matemba said proceeding with prosecution of Kalonga together with Katengeza would have been unconstitutional

"That is why we came here to apply for the withdrawal of Mr. Kalonga because he has already been convicted of the same offense of which he was jointly charged with Angela Katengeza" said Matemba

However Katengeza continue to plead not guilty

Now Katengeza charge has been amended as the prosecution has filed a fresh charge sheet which contains one count of money laundering. 

The case has been adjourned to to 8th of September

Leonard was charged of money laundering of whose particulars of his offense are the same with that which were  jointly charged with Angela Katengeza on second count of money laundering. 

The state was applying for the removal of Leonard Kalonga because he has been convicted of that offense. 

However Katengeza continue to plead not guilty

Now Katengeza charge has been amended as the prosecution has filed a fresh charge sheet which contains one count of money laundering. 

The case has been adjourned to to 8th of September 2015

Cashgate Case: Kalonga Bail Revoked

Lilongwe High Court 

The Lilongwe High Court has revoked bail of a cashgate convict Leonard Kalonga and has since been sent to Maula prison pending his sentence.

Kalonga, accused of defrauding government money amounting to K3 billion between April and September 2013, has on Wednesday pleaded guilty and got convicted before Justice Fiona Mwale to three counts of money laundering.

Kalonga was arrested on cashgate following his acquisition of 6 Scania Marcopolo buses using government money. However his second charge indicates that the buses belong to Paul Mphwiyo. The charge states,  Kalonga facilitated, a baited and aided laundering of K520 million, between July and September 2013, the proceeds which were used in acquisition of the 6 buses for Paul Mphwiyo. 

Other charges includes conspiring to defraud government using forged documents money not less than K1 billion which was paid to bogus suppliers and that he was involved in Money laundering of K3, 252, 225 billion, proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013.

Kalonga pleaded guilty and convicted of all three counts. 

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to a later date and possibly next week for sentence hearing.

However, his caution statement has made revelations of genesis of Cashgate and named some of the key figures in government including other government officers from various ministries and departments who became defrauders after being recruited by the ruling party then.

Key names includes: former President Dr. Joyce Banda, former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo, former Accountant General Bill Kandoje, chief accountant George Banda, Clemence Madzi including some officers from Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

17 Civil Engineering and Building companies have also been implicated as bogus service providers that were paid huge sums of money without rendering any service to government.

Mary Kachale: Kalonga was recruiting fellow
workers

In both State narration of facts to the present case and Caution Statement of Mr. Kalonga indicates that former President Joyce Banda was at the control of such calculated theft of public coffers for the purpose of funding her Peoples Party during the 2014 general election campaign.

Kalonga says at one point Oswald Lutepo spoke to the former president on telephone and that their conversation was put on a loudspeaker. He said Lutepo was assuring her of the availability of funds that was defrauded by the conspiracy team.

He also said apart from being assured by Paul Mphwiyo that nothing will happen to them as people were placed in every strategic areas in all government ministries and departments, officers involved in the scam received a word of assurance of their protection by the former president Joyce Banda through Treasa Senzani. 

In his self confession statement, Kalonga is claiming that he was introduced to Paul Mphwiyo by a man from Accountant General’s office and that later, Mphwiyo placed him as recruiter of fellow civil servants from Ministry of Tourism as well as bogus contractors.

Later, Kalonga said he used to collect money from bogus companies after they withdrawn their cheques. Then 60% of the money was for the Peoples Party while the rest was shared among the companies and officers involved. But he said Paul Mphwiyo was the one collecting the money for the party and was delivering the money to state house. 

Leonard Kalonga also indicated that most of their meetings were taking place at his house in area 18 and in rare occasions, the meetings happened in other places. 

However, he also mentioned that the defrauding group had at one point suspected nontransparent acts from Paul Mphwiyo due to unfair shares.

The former Assistant Director of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, Leonard Karonga began working civil servant in 1992.

Cashgate Case: Former President Joyce Banda Named In Kalonga Case

Lilongwe High Court 

Leonard Kalonga pleads Guilty to K3. 2 billion case. 

Kalonga was arrested on cashgate following his acquisition of 6 Scania Marcopolo buses using government money. 

Now, case involves more other persons already answering cashgate cases and other new other names. The case also includes 17 Civil Engineering Constructions 

Kalonga has since pleaded guilty. 

Shocking revelation of the case 

Immediately Kalonga pleaded guilty, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale made narration of facts of the case which claim involvement of former President Dr. Joyce Banda and Paul Mphwiyo as key coordinator of the fraud way before he become budget director.

Mary Kachale: Proceeds
of theft were going to
Peaples Party 

The statement claims, Kalonga was a recruiter of government officers that were involved in cashgate, companies involved including collecting and distribution of cash, even including collecting and distribution of cheques. 

DPP stated that the defrauded money was delivered to State House and were meant for 2014 campaign by Joyce Banda administration 

The facts also claim that Dr. Joyce Banda assured protection of all involved in the scam. 

The DPP also in her narration included names of Oswald Lutepo, George Banda, Treasa Senzani (who joined the fraud later than others)

Kalonga equivocally agreed to the facts presented by DPP

Case was under Justice Fiona Mwale who has since convicted Kalonga of three charges 

The first charge indicates that Kalonga in 2013 conspired with other persons to defraud government using forged documents to a tune of not less than K1 billion paid to bogus suppliers. 

His second count states that between July and September 2013 Leonard Kalonga facilitated, a baited and aided acquisition of 6 Marcopolo Scania buses with Paul Mphwiyo and others money laundering to a tune of K520 million while the third count Kalonga was involved in Money laundering which were proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013 with other persons to a tune of K3, 252, 225 billion.

Visit again for more updates as the case is still in progress

Cashgate Convict Savala Cry in Court, Speaks Out on K84 Million Looting

• Savala named Leonard Kalonga as accomplice

• She cried in court and said “I have brought shame to my parents”

The Cashgate case hearing of Caroline Savala on Friday was full of emotions, for apparent looming sentencing.

Savala answering charges of theft amd was convicted after full trial on money laundering amounting to K84 million, cried during court sitting at Lilongwe High court on Friday before Justice Fiona Mwale and for the very first time made recounts of her deal with Leonard Kalonga, former Tourism ministry officer also answering another cashgate case.

The Illicit deal with Leonard Kalonga

When responding to questions from State Counsel, Kamudoni Nyasulu, on how she became to know Leonard Kalonga and Florence Chatuwa, Caroline Savala explained almost everything.

In a tell it all, Savala said registered her Carmu Civil Engineering Company in 2011 under National Construction Industry Council but never had offered service elsewhere.

Savala said, was introduced to Leonard Karonga in June 2013 by her former Bambino Secondary School classmate, Florence Chatuwa a supplier of fire extinguishers. 

She said, Kalonga, asked her to borrow him copies of her company certificates because he “wanted to use the documents to do a construction work for the government” 

Savala explained that she was convinced by Leonard Kalonga justification that as a civil servant he could not use his own construction company certificates to offer service to government. She added that she never had any suspicions that they were making an illicit deal.

Savala continued that, in July 2013 her company account received a Cheque amounting to K35 million and a week later got K49 million. 

She said in all two separate occasions; Savala would withdrawal the deposited money and deliver in full amount to Kalonga at his house. But from the deal, Savala said was getting 10% only for each deposit money and was sharing that money with Florence.

She said she never doubt about anything or grew fishy about the payments sent to her company account.

Savala also told the court that even before and after her arrest, she has been earning a living through lipstic seling business. 

Impact of Cashgate to Savala family 

Caroline Savala being consoled by family members

Earlier, when asked by her lawyer Raphael Kasambara how the case has impacted her life, the emotional Savala said “I have suffered anxiety and I’m just Sorry that I took part in this unknowingly.”

“I have brought shame to my parents” she said “It has got so much shame to my parents and family. I have put them in shame.”

Caroline Savala’s mom and dad sitting a foot away from each other could be seen with tears flowing from their eyes as they try keep listen to their daughter. His father seemed to have difficulty to keep eyes on his daughter for long; he spent a lot of time at the hearing with his head down.

“I have dented my image. I can’t work anywhere because am all over the internet that I was involved in looting of public money.”

She then spoke of her health which made her cry; “My health has deteriorated, I have a copy of my medical report”. Savala said it recommends that she need to live in a very good environment. 

“Away from opportunistic infections…” said Savala then sobbed, followed by loud mourns forcing the Jutice Mwale to suspend proceedings for five minutes since she could not be audible when she was reading last part of the report. 

Savala explained to State Counsel that she obtained this medical report from Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) on 24th July 2014 when she visited the hospital as patient.

“I never suspected that it could be looting of public funds with the senior position Mr. Kalonga had” she said after the court convened after the short break

Savala: Cashgate has embarrassed her and family

“I am very sorry. If I had known that it was looting, I could not have accepted that my company should be used because am not a person” who tolerates anything like that, she aid.

“I’m a Christian and never had involved in such practice” she added and said she is a first time offender

Savala was convicted after full trial but in previous court appearances pleaded not guilty but surprised people that this Friday acknowledged her participation in the looting but emphasized “unknowingly”

Cashgate Convict Savala At Maula Prison Pending Sentence

Savala taken out of court for Maula prison

Cashgate convict, Caroline Savala to spend some days at Maula prison, pending sentencing in a date to be communicated by the High Court.

Savala answering charges of looting public money amounting to K84 million in 2013, has been walking freely since her conviction recently by Lilongwe High Court.

Her hearing before sentencing has been adjourned on Friday to unspecified date after court had failed to get the certificates for Savala construction company, which the state counsel want to use so that Savala should make some few clarifications.

When Justice Fiona Mwale began to make announcement of adjournment of the case to a later date all anticipation turned out to be different making rude awakening to the convict and family. 

Even before halfway of the announcement, Justice Mwale said since Savala is a convict, she lost “Right to Liberty” and needs to be incarcerated. Then she adjourned the case to a later date.

Caroline Savala and her parents were in tears upon hearing the announced immediate detention. Even when she left the court for the police vehicle, Savala made loud cry’s while condemning state counsel Kamdoni Nyasulu, that he must be excited now that she is going to suffer more following the detention at Maula.   

When convicted, Savala walked home freely without court bail a development which raised a lot of debate.

Appearing before Justice Fiona Mwale on Friday afternoon for hearing before sentencing, Savala also made recount of how her construction business account got million of Kwachas from the deal she had with Mr. Leonard Kalonga a former Ministry of Tourism official also answering another Cashgate case.

However, Savala in her tell it all, said she did not know that Kalonga was siphoning public money.