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The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has today insisted it properly charged five women with money laundering after they were found with 338 ATM cards, dismissing defence claims that the case, which began in 2023, is statute barred.
The defence had objected to the charges and applied for the matter to be discharged, arguing that the legal time limit had expired. The women were expected to enter plea before trial, but the objections stalled proceedings.
Lawyers from the DPP’s Chambers opposed the application, maintaining that the accused were lawfully charged and that the State was prepared to prove its case. Chief Resident Magistrate His Worship Mwayi Nyirenda will deliver a ruling on the arguments on February 24, 2026.
The accused, Sellina Mkandawire (39), Fatima Dziko (35), Diness Mphande (66), Hanifa Osman (33), and Angella Mphande (36), were arrested at Kamuzu International Airport on June 9, 2023, upon arrival from Dubai. Police discovered the ATM cards, sourced from various banks across Malawi, and alleged they were being used to externalise foreign currency as part of a suspected money laundering scheme.
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