Chief Resident Magistrate Patrick Chirwa has granted bail to three former Malawi Leaf Company officers and a businessman.

The four have however been ordered to remain in custody until Monday next week where sureties will be examined by the court.

Bail conditions are that the accused must each produce bail bond of 5 million kwacha cash, two sureties each with cash bond of 2 million kwacha, must surrender travel documents, must report to police once every fortnight and must cooperate with the state during investigation processes.

The state earlier sought further detention of the accused for seven days.

They are former General Manager for Malawi Leaf Company, Jimmy Kasamale, former Financial Controller Francis Madona, former Chief Executive Officer Evans Matabwa and owner of Freight Shipping Company, Arthur Madikhula.