The court ruled against CFTC on grounds that it does not have mandate to issue fines in issues that are criminal in nature.

It was ordered to refund Airtel Malawi 1.2 billion Kwacha within 14 days. In 2020 CFTC fined Airtel Malawi for failing to pay Khethekhethe bonuses to qualified customers.

The commission's spokesperson Innocent Helema says CFTC says the institution asked the court for an extension on the order to refund the money, pending the appeal, and the prayer has been granted.