In an exclusive interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) on Monday evening, Norman Chisale, the personal bodyguard of ex-president Peter Mutharika, vehemently denied allegations that his wealth was amassed during his boss’s tenure.
Chisale argued that his journey to affluence began during his service in the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Chisale, who is currently facing multiple corruption-related charges, passionately explained that he has a long history of financial independence.
He recalled that even during his time as a private soldier, he stood out by owning a car and, intriguingly, a cellphone.
He proudly claimed to be the first soldier in Malawi to possess a mobile device, at a time when the majority of his colleagues relied on office phones for communication.
“People don’t know where I am coming from. I was the first soldier in Malawi to own a cellphone when everyone within the MDF was using office phones. People used to come to me to make calls,” Chisale stated.
He said extensive career as a professional bodyguard saw him working alongside three former presidents: Bakili Muluzi, Bingu wa Mutharika, and his brother Peter.
Dismissing accusations that his wealth was solely due to his association with Peter Mutharika, Chisale firmly declared that those making such claims suffer from mental instability.
Earlier in 2021, Chisale faced further legal scrutiny as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) collaborated with various agencies, including the Assets Forfeiture Unit, the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), and the Malawi Police Service (MPS) Fiscal and Fraud Department. Together, they successfully secured an application before High Court Judge Mike Tembo to seize Chisale’s properties valued at K5 billion, with two of his bank accounts frozen.
Chisale, however, insisted that his wealth has deep-rooted origins and pointed to assets like Zimatha Lodge, constructed in 2016, and his real estate holdings in Sanjika.
He expressed frustration at the public’s focus on his association with the former president, emphasizing that these are not the questions that should be asked about his financial success.
Chisale concluded the interview by stating that he is a deeply resentful individual, echoing the passionate defense of his wealth and the controversies surrounding it
