Malawi’s Supreme Court of Appeal in Blantyre has ordered Sunrise Pharmaceuticals and Chombe Food Products, owned by Leston Mulli, to refund the government K3 billion with interest within 30 days.
This follows an application by the Attorney Geneal (AG) Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda against the compensation, which was paid by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime,
This reverses a previous High Court ruling under the DPP administration that awarded the companies this sum as compensation for losses claimed during the July 20, 2011, demonstrations.
The Supreme Court also directed the companies to cover the costs of the appeal and the High Court expenses.
The companies had sought over K30 billion in additional compensation, which was denied.
Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa and Justices of Appeal Sylvester Kalembera, John Katsala, Dorothy Nyakaunda Kamanga, Charles Mkandawire, and Healey Potani presided over the case.
Tamando Chokhotho and Chancy Gondwe represented the respondents.
The court previously dismissed the respondents’ application to overturn an order by retired Justice of Appeal Anaclet Chipeta, granting the AG leave to appeal out of time.
The Supreme Court has mandated that the High Court trial, where the AG will contest the companies’ claims, proceed before a different judge within 90 days.
