The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s court has ruled that the defence in K150 million bank fraud trial involving businessperson Zameer Karim alongside banker Victoria Chanza be allowed to recall two State witnesses.

The court’s direction follows a move by the State to amend a charge sheet by adding a money laundering count involving Karim.

However, the defence pleaded with the court to recall a police investigator and a banker to cross examine them on the amended money laundering count.

Initially, the duo were charged with counts bordering on fraud, forgery and altering false documents to obtain a loan of K150 million at Eco Bank.

“We supposed to have the matter closed but the defence has applied to recall two witnesses; the banker and the investigator and the court has allowed that.

“It’s in the discretion of the court that when the charge has been amended you can recall a witness to cross examine them on the issues that they testified on a money laundering charge,” said Steven Kayuni, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In addition, the court has allowed an application by the second accused to be excused from court when cross examining the recalled witnesses.

However, the has court turned down an application to have the matter being heard separately.

Hearing of the case has since been adjourned to June 6 this year where the defense would cross examine the recalled State witnesses.