A network for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Mangochi have written Second Grade Magistrate Court there, Augustine Mizaiah, requesting that hearing of a case on alleged fraud involving Mangochi District Council workers be held in an open court.

Chairperson of the network, Aggrey Mfune, who is signatory to the letter, says the network is reacting to a request by lawyer for the accused who wants the matter heard in chambers.

Last week, the court granted bail to Gift Kamunga, David Nyondo and Davis Kasanthula who work in the accounts office at the district council and are accused of misappropriating K43 million.

Police in Mangochi arrested the three accounts officers who are suspected to have swindled about K60 million from government coffers.