Cashgate convicts Pika Manondo and Mc Donald Kumwembe have applied for bail pending the appeal of their conviction.

According to a court document, the bail hearing has been set for 10 am on October 2, 2019.

High Court Judge Michael Mtambo found ex-Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier Kumwembe and businessman Manondo guilty of attempting to murder Mphwiyo in September 2013 at his residence in Lilongwe.

The shooting of Mphwiyo exposed the plunder of public resources at Capital Hill by senior government officials.

The Supreme Court already granted bail to former Minister of Justice Ralph Kasambara who was given a 13-year jail term for conspiracy to murder former budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

Presenting the judgement Supreme Court of Appeal judge Dunstain Mwaungulu said justice Mtambo relied on call logs which did not place Kasambara anywhere near the scene of the crime.

Kasambara was granted bail on March 14 2018 after spending a year and seven months in prison.

The judge had ordered for a speedy appeal hearing but the process has stalled.

Court registrar Agnes Patemba told The Nation in February this year that she could not say how long the preparations may take.

Credit : Kulinji