It never rains but pours for wildlife crime convict Yunhua Lin, as the Principal Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has referred his corruption case to the High Court for full trial.

The development follows a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Masauko Chamkakala, for the matter to be committed to the higher court. Lin is accused of attempting to bribe a judge and other public officers while serving a 14-year sentence for wildlife crimes.

The case was initially scheduled to proceed to trial before Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu when the DPP’s office stepped in, citing the case’s complexity and heightened public interest.

Yunhua Lin, who was convicted in 2020 as the alleged kingpin of a transnational wildlife trafficking syndicate, is currently serving his sentence at Maula Prison. The fresh charges against him relate to an alleged attempt to obstruct the course of justice.

During a brief court appearance on Wednesday, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) prosecutor Peter Sambani confirmed to journalists that although trial directions had been scheduled, the DPP had requested the matter be escalated to the High Court.

“The State’s request has been granted. This case has been referred to the High Court,” ruled Magistrate Chulu.

Lin, who remains in custody, is now awaiting trial on the corruption charges.