The newly appointed Malawi’s Ambassador-at-Large, Zunaid Moti, has over the years been linked to several high-profile legal disputes and investigations involving authorities in South Africa, Germany and Russia for various criminal activities.
While many of the allegations generated significant international attention, several cases were later withdrawn, dismissed or resolved without a criminal conviction.
South African Arrest (2012)
In 2012, Moti and several associates were arrested in South Africa on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery and kidnapping. The case arose from a business dispute involving businessman Naeem Cassim.
The prosecution’s case later collapsed after key witness statements changed, and a South African regional court struck the charges from the roll. Moti was not convicted.
German Arrest Following Russian Interpol Alert (2018)
In August 2018, Moti was arrested at Munich Airport in Germany after Russian authorities circulated an Interpol Diffusion Notice alleging fraud involving Russian businessman Alibek Issaev over a pink diamond transaction and mining venture.
Moti spent approximately five months in custody while contesting extradition. In January 2019, the warrants were withdrawn after the Russian authorities cancelled the request and Interpol removed the alert. Moti has consistently maintained that the allegations were politically motivated.
Moti Files Investigation (2023)
In 2023, leaked internal documents from the Moti Group formed the basis of an investigation by South African investigative journalism organisation amaBhungane.
The reports alleged that more than US$130 million moved through hundreds of complex financial transactions connected to mining interests and political relationships, including activities in Zimbabwe.
Moti and the Moti Group rejected the allegations, describing them as misleading and based on unlawfully obtained documents.
Gag Order Controversy
Following publication of the Moti Files investigation, the Moti Group obtained an interim court order preventing further publication of leaked documents.
The order sparked criticism from media freedom organisations and was later overturned by the South African High Court, which ruled that the reporting was a matter of significant public interest.
Criminal Case Over Leaked Information
Separately in 2023, Moti laid criminal complaints against his former legal assistant, Clinton van Niekerk, alleging the unlawful removal of confidential company information. Van Niekerk was arrested after a warrant was issued. The case generated public debate over whether criminal processes were being used in a commercial dispute.
Corporate Disputes
Moti has also been involved in highly publicised litigation with former business associate Frederick Lutzkie. Court proceedings featured allegations and counter-allegations of intimidation, corruption, money laundering and political influence. The claims have been strongly denied by the parties involved and remain contested.
Mining and Zimbabwe Connections
Moti’s business interests in Zimbabwe, particularly through African Chrome Fields, have attracted sustained scrutiny from investigative journalists and governance watchdogs. Reports have questioned the company’s relationships with senior Zimbabwean political figures.
Moti has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that his business operations have complied with applicable laws.
Mantengu Mining Dispute (2025)
In 2025, Mantengu Mining Chief Executive Mike Miller publicly accused Moti and associates of attempting to influence corporate transactions involving the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Moti rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and part of an ongoing corporate dispute.
Malawians , here is the man who has been entrusted to represent us across the globe . The country and the poor Malawians will pay the price .
Moti made headlines in Malawi few when he made a donation of MK 4 billion towards Malawi First Lady’s Gertrude Mutharika Beam Trust .
He is on record to be the man behind the private jets which Malawi President Mutharika uses on his private visits to South Africa .
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