Youth and Society (YAS) has written the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Masauko Chimkakala demanding an update regarding the discontinued criminal proceedings against directors of Paramount Holdings Limited.
The directors were answering charges of making and uttering false documents to get contracts.
The three directors are Prakash Virji Ghedia, Arvindikumar Atiti Patel, and Surej Khimji Jagatiya as the first, second, and third accused, respectively.
The three were being accused of offenses surrounding conspiracy to utter false documents and utter a false document showing that the company is an authorized dealer of Yamaha Motorcycles in Malawi.
However, Chimkakala discontinued the case without giving reasons, saying; “at this stage, I am not at liberty to disclose until other stakeholders have done their processes.”
During a meeting in May last year, the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament, in accordance with the constitutional oversight powers, ordered the restoration of the case, an action which Chimkakala is yet to do.
In a letter dated June 16, 2025, YAS has demanded a detailed account of the actions the DPP’s office has taken in response to the Legal Affairs Committee’s resolution.
“At this meeting, the Committee expressly rejected the discontinuance of Criminal Case Number 868 of 2023, citing insufficient justification and unresolved questions surrounding the authenticity of the dealership documents submitted by Paramount Holdings.
“The Committee’s resolution was unambiguous: the case must be reinstated within 30 working days, with the expectation that the Court, not the Executive, should determine the matter on its merits.
“As a watchdog organization committed to the rule of law, accountability, and justice, Youth and Society (YAS) is gravely concerned that, 12 months after the lapse of the 30-day period, there has been no public communication, action, or indication that your office has respected and acted upon the Committee’s resolution,” reads part of the letter signed by YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka.
He further demanded a confirmation on whether criminal case has been reinstated before a competent court of law and, if the case has not been reinstated, a clear explanation for the failure or delay, including how such inaction aligns with your constitutional obligations and accountability to Parliament.
“Mr. Chimkakala, the integrity and public confidence in your office rest on the transparent and principled execution of your prosecutorial duties.
“A failure to act on this matter, in spite of clear parliamentary oversight and direction, would constitute a dangerous precedent, undermining both the fight against corruption and the public’s trust in justice institutions.
“We remain hopeful that your office will demonstrate its commitment to constitutionalism, transparency, and public accountability by acting decisively and updating the public accordingly,” he said.
There was no immediate action from the DPP’s office as we went to press.
