Businessman Leston Mulli has dragged the Attorney General (AG) to court demanding K270 billion compensation following the government’s decision to restrict its entities from dealing with his businesses.
Mulli, represented by his lawyers Lusungu Gondwe and John Kalampa, contended that subsequent to a restriction letter dated September 5, 2018, issued by the then Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who also served as the Attorney General, government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) ceased doing business with his enterprises.
As reported by The Nation, Mulli is pursuing approximately K966.3 million for supplier and staff salary interests, K602.5 million for interest charges on litigation cases, and K131 million as excess interest on loans due to delayed repayment, restructuring, and extended repayment periods.
Additionally, he is seeking around K104.8 million for loss of earnings, while approximately K33 million is designated for the loss of profit incurred between 2012 and 2017.
The claimants are seeking a total sum of K270 448 222 520.00 from the defendant for damages related to public misfeasance and/or causing loss by unlawful means, along with 10 percent interest above the commercial base lending rate from the time the tort(s) were committed to the time of full payment.
Mulli’s businesses include Zao Marketing Agencies, Mulli Brothers Limited (MBL), Celcom Limited, National Bus Service Limited, Sunrise Pharmaceuticals Limited, and Chombe Foods Limited.
A notice of adjournment prepared and filed by the Attorney General chambers dated February 12, 2024, reveals that the State has filed an application to dispose of the matter on point of law, indicating a desire for the court to continue hearing the matter without parading witnesses.
In 2022, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda issued a memo to MDAs advising them to cease conducting any business with MBL or allowing the company to participate in any public procurement.
