Court releases Mpinganjira on bail

Blantyre Magistrate Court has released on bail a business mogul Dr Thomson Mpinganjira who was arrested on allegation that he attempted to bribe constitutional court judges presiding over presidential elections case.

Making the ruling chief residence magistrate Simion Mdeza said they have granted bail to Mpinganjira upon complying some of the conditions.

Mdeza stated that Mpinganjira will be released upon fulfilling the bail conditions

“Mpinganjira should pay 1 million kwacha cash, produce two sureties with 3 million kwacha non cash, surrender to Ant corruption Bureau ACB his travelling documents, report to any nearest ACB offices every fortnight and should not interfere with the court witnesses,” Mdeza explained

Earlier in the day Mdeza charged Mpinganjira with three counts of offering an advantage to a public servant, attempting to induce a public servant and attempting to induce a servant to abuse his/her office.

Lawyer representing Dr Mpinganjira, Patrice Nkhono has however applied for bail saying his client has strong ties with Malawi and will be always available for trial.

Nkhono added that Dr Mpinganjira is the Chief Executive Officer for FDH Holdings Ltd and he does not have any ambition of leaving the country.

On his part, Director of ACB did not make any objection to the application but proposed some conditions for the bail.

Dr Mpinganjira was arrested last week and later released midnight a development which raised controversy in the judiciary.