The State has failed to start parading witnesses in the fraud and abuse of office case against former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Collins Magalasi.

Magalasi is accused of allegedly using money from MERA to pay for accommodation of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials.

The State was supposed to parade six witnesses but has failed to do so as the senior resident magistrate Shyreen Chirwa who was handling the case has been moved to Industrial Relations Court.

The Chief Resident Magistrate will have to assign the case to another magistrate.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Steven Kayuni confirmed of the development in an interview with the press.

Kayuni said the case has since been referred to Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa to allocate another magistrate in the matter.