The High Court in Blantyre has shifted to November 23 a bail hearing on an application by businessperson Thom Mpinganjira.

Mpinganjira wants the court to grant him bail before appealing a 9 year custodial sentence in case where he was being accused of attempting to bribe five judges of the High Court of Malawi.

His application was initially set for November 18, 2021 before High Court Judge John Chirwa.

High Court and Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal registrar Gladys Gondwe confirmed of the changes in an interview with the press but could not disclose reasons.

Hearing of the application was passed on to Chirwa after High Court Judge Dorothy DeGabrielle, who initially heard the case and convicted Mpinganjira, is scheduled to travel abroad for further studies.