Batatawala to remain in police custody as ACB prays for court not to release him over fears he may evade trial

MALAWI: Businessman Abdul Karim Batatawala has today, Monday, been charged with two counts of conspiracy to defraud the government of K1.5bn and money laundering of K2.1bn.

The businessman, who appeared at the Blantyre Magistrates Court a day after being discharged from Shifa Hospital where he was admitted last week, also applied to be released on bail.

However, the Anti-Corruption Bureau told the court that, although being granted bail is a constitutional right, Batatawala should not be granted bail on fears that he may wish to evade trial by employing delaying tactics.

Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Chipofya is tomorrow expected to deliver a ruling on the bail application.