Malawi's three senior government officials released on bail over fuel scam

The Lilongwe Magistrates Court has today Wednesday released on bail Minister of Energy, Newton Kambala, Alliance For Democracy (AFORD) President Enoch Chihana and Presidential Advisor on Strategy and Manifesto Implementation Chris Chaima Banda.

The Court has released the three prominent officials on bail bond of K200 000 each.

Kambala, a member of UTM and Chihana belongs to the governing Tonse Alliance.

The three have been slapped with charges of trying to influence a public officer to abuse their office.

The charges are in line with allegations filed at ACB where the three allegedly attempted to influence Nocma Deputy CEO Hellen Buluma to prioritise three specific companies in the fuel importation deals late last year.

The three companies that have stirred controversy are Trafigura, Finergy and Orxy.

The suspects have denied any wrong doing and invoked their right to remain silent.

Meanwhile, ACB Czar Martha Chizuma has told local media she is ready to proceed with prosecution.