Share

Mozambique gives up on battle to have bribery-accused former finance minister extradited

The Mozambican government has decided to withdraw bids to have its former finance minister Manuel Chang extradited, and leave it in the hands of Justice Minister Ronald Lamola - for now.

Chang is wanted by the US in connection with allegations of conspiracy to commit fraud and taking millions of dollars in bribes in a $2bn loan scandal, News24 previously reported.

The office of Mozambique's Attorney General revealed in a statement on Monday that its government had opted to withdraw its appeal requests to the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.

"Considering that the process started in December 2018 and, taking into account the time and the negative implications that occur in the various processes that run terms inside and outside the country related to 'hidden debts', the Attorney General's Office instructed lawyers to withdraw the two pending requests in the South African courts, in order to give the Minister of Justice an opportunity to re-examine the case, based [on] new developments," the statement, written in Portuguese, reads.

It said it hoped that the withdrawal of the two appeals would accelerate a decision being reached.

In addition, the government claims that Chang has cases to answer in Mozambique.

It said defendants in the lawsuits involving Chang had already started appearing in court.

"Manuel Chang's absence is jeopardising the speed of the proceedings, as well as the full clarification of the facts.

"In view of the jurisdictional challenges faced by the USA in the case against Jean Boustani (one of Chang's co-accused) that culminated in his acquittal, the Attorney General's Office reinforced his understanding of being in a better position to hold Manuel Chang responsible," the statement says.

Court gives Lamola power to decide

In November last year, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ruled that Lamola should decide, anew, whether to extradite Chang to either the United States or his home country.

The court dismissed Chang's application to compel Lamola to give effect to his predecessor Michael Masutha's decision, setting aside the order to extradite him to Mozambique. To the extent that the former justice minister's decision dismissed the US extradition request, it was also set aside and both decisions were subsequently remitted to the Lamola for determination.

READ: Lamola holds former Mozambique finance minister's extradition fate in his hands after High Court ruling

During the proceedings, Lamola asked that Masutha's decision be reviewed and set aside on the basis that it was contrary to the provisions of the Extradition Act.

Masutha decided to have Chang - who was facing extradition requests from his home country and the US - extradited Mozambique rather than the US.

At the time, Chang enjoyed immunity in Mozambique, which meant that he could not be held accountable for his alleged crimes. This immunity was, however, reportedly lifted in January.

In Masutha's reasoning, he cited that "the interests of justice will be best served by acceding to the request by the Republic of Mozambique", News24 previously reported.

ALSO READ: Manuel Chang to be extradited from SA to Mozambique, not US

The former finance minister was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on December 29 while on his way to Dubai last year.

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services declined to comment at this stage.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
42% - 363 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
58% - 499 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.93
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.90
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.44
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
906.59
+1.1%
Palladium
1,012.66
+1.1%
Gold
2,221.55
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.9%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.9%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE