Simplex Chithyola Banda, a former Malawian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and currently Leader of the Opposition and a Malawi Congress Party lawmaker, is summoned to appear before the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court to take his plea in a corruption case. All reports say the case is tied to alleged abuse of office involving K29.5 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Lweya Irrigation Scheme, also described by one outlet as related to Greenbelt funds. The court issues summons requiring Banda’s in-person attendance and sets a date for him to enter his plea. One report states that the plea hearing is scheduled for 7 August 2026. The coverage describes the proceedings as the next procedural step after the summons, with the allegations focused on how public funds linked to the irrigation scheme rehabilitation were handled. The reports do not provide further details on the specific charges, evidence, or Banda’s response at this stage.