The Supreme Court of Appeal has ordered two companies owned by Mulli Brothers Limited Holdings to refund K3 billion to the Government of Malawi.

The amount was previously paid as compensation following a 2013 High Court ruling.

In that ruling, the High Court directed the government to compensate Sunrise Pharmaceuticals and Chombe Food Products for damages and loss of business allegedly suffered during the July 20, 2011 anti-government demonstrations. The government complied and paid the amount.

However, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda appealed the decision.

In a new ruling delivered by a panel of six Supreme Court judges, the initial judgment has been overturned.

The Court has now ordered the companies to refund the K3 billion with interest within 30 days.

Furthermore, the two firms have been directed to cover the costs of the appeal, as well as expenses incurred in the High Court proceedings.