Former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) commander General Paul Velentino Phiri has been granted bail by a Lilongwe court. He was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Shukurani Kumbani. Phiri was released on a K10 million cash bond and two sureties bonded at K20 million each. His lawyer, Powell Nkhutabasa, confirmed that the court informed Phiri of the reasons for his detention before the defence applied for bail.
The ACB has charged Phiri with five counts, including alleged misuse of public office, contravention of procurement procedures, and dealing in terrorist property. The charges relate to events in June and July 2025, when Phiri was MDF commander. According to the charge sheet, Phiri facilitated the issuance of an End User Certificate for military equipment purportedly destined for the MDF but allegedly intended for rebel forces in Sudan.
The End User Certificate, dated June 18, 2025, identifies the intended recipient of military equipment. Phiri is also accused of instructing subordinate officers to clear an aircraft, registration number SUSKG, on the representation that it was carrying equipment for the MDF. The charge sheet alleges that Phiri unilaterally procured the equipment, contrary to procurement procedures.
Two counts accuse Phiri of knowingly concealing property described as terrorist property at the Malawi Air Cargo warehouse in Lilongwe. The State alleges that the property was received from Kenya before being removed from Malawi to Chad. Phiri did not take a plea and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The charges have been brought under the Corrupt Practices Act, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2024, and the Financial Crimes Act, 2017. Senior Resident Magistrate Kumbani set November 12 for the commencement of the trial and ordered Phiri to report to police once a month.
Phiri spent Thursday night in custody after his initial court appearance was postponed. His lawyer, Powell Nkhutabasa, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to grant bail. The ACB's investigation into Phiri's alleged involvement in corrupt activities is ongoing.
Phiri's case has raised concerns about corruption and accountability in Malawi's defence and procurement systems. The court's decision to grant bail will allow Phiri to prepare for his trial while awaiting further proceedings. The case is set to continue on November 12.
Key points
- Phiri was granted bail on a K10 million cash bond and two sureties bonded at K20 million each.
- The charges against Phiri include alleged misuse of public office, contravention of procurement procedures, and dealing in terrorist property.
- The trial is set to commence on November 12, with Phiri required to report to police once a month.
