By Burnett Munthali
The Principal Resident Magistrate, Benjamin Chulu, has granted bail to former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, and two former cabinet ministers, Sam Kawale and Sosten Gwengwe, who were arrested over a fertilizer contract.
The trio were arrested in connection with a deal awarded to East Bridge for the supply of fertilizer to the government, with allegations of misuse of office hanging over their heads.
The accused persons appeared before court this afternoon, where they were informed of the charges they are facing, including conspiracy to commit a crime and misuse of office.
The three are jointly answering a charge of conspiracy to commit a crime, and they have also each been charged with misuse of office, a serious offence that carries significant penalties.
Soon after being informed of the charges, State prosecutor Prescott Mwayiulipo prayed to the court to give the State three weeks to prepare disclosures, citing the complexity of the case.
Lawyer for the three, Khumbo Soko, did not object to the State’s request for more time, instead applying for bail for his clients, an application that was not opposed by the State.
Magistrate Chulu granted bail, setting conditions that include a K2 million bail bond, two sureties bonded at K5 million, monthly reporting to police, and surrendering of travel documents.
The granting of bail has brought temporary relief to the former officials, but the allegations against them continue to raise concerns about corruption and abuse of power in government.
Chulu has also given the State 21 days to prepare disclosures, a deadline that is likely to be closely watched by the public and anti-corruption activists.
As the case unfolds, Malawians are demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders, and are calling for swift and decisive action against those who have abused their positions of trust.
The fertilizer scandal has sent shockwaves through the country, and the outcome of the case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
