By The Forum

The Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate Court has released former Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba and two former cabinet ministers, Sosten Gwengwe and Samuel Kawale, on bail, imposing strict conditions in a case linked to MK200 billion East Bridge supply contracts.

Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu ordered each accused to pay a K2 million bail bond, provide two non-cash sureties bonded at K5 million each, surrender travel documents to the court, and report to National Police Headquarters once every month.

The three are jointly facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and abuse of office arising from contracts awarded to East Bridge for the supply of fertiliser, soya beans and tobacco.

Soon after the charges were read, State prosecutor Prescott Mwayiulipo requested 21 days to prepare disclosures. Defence lawyer Khumbo Soko did not object and applied for bail on behalf of his clients, an application the State also did not oppose.

Magistrate Chulu granted the State 21 days to complete disclosures.

Malawi Police have said the contracts between East Bridge and the Government of Malawi — through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) — exceeded an estimated total value of MK200 billion.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Malawi Police Service (MPS) spokesperson Senior Superintendent Lael Chimtembo said investigations, being conducted jointly with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), are focusing on procurement contracts involving several public institutions.

Gwengwe was arrested on Sunday, while former Minister of Agriculture Kawale and former SPC Zamba were arrested on Monday. Police said all three handed themselves in after learning they were persons of interest in the investigation.

—

Also Read: Police link Gwengwe, Kawale and Zamba arrests to MK200bn East Bridge contracts

Related: Ex-minister Chimwendo charged with attempted murder; Mumba, Kabwira get bail

Related: Zamba granted bail as court weighs abuse-of-office case