Court in Lilongwe has granted bail to 16 officials from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA).

Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa granted bail to the officials who were arrested over the abuse of K4.6 million Covid-19 funds.

The suspects re-applied for bail after the expiry of seven days that the Court gave to the State to conclude investigations.

In granting bail, Chirwa said the court is satisfied with the application by the defence.

The State did not object to the bail application but asked the Court to use its discretion to give strict bail conditions so that the suspects are able to honour court proceedings.