Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza has dismissed an application by former minister of Energy Newton Kambala and others to be set free.

Kambala, former presidential adviser on strategy, Chris Chaima Banda and Alliance for Democracy president Enoch Chihana are accused of attempting to influence former National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) Deputy CEO Hellen Buluma to award contracts to Orxy, Finergy and Trafigura.

They applied to be discharged, arguing the State lacks seriousness and willingness to prosecute the case.

In her ruling, Magistrate Chimwaza has dismissed the application in its entirety, describing it as ‘untenable’.

The court has adjourned the case for continued hearing on 18th and 19th July 2023 for cross-examination of Buluma.

The three were arrested by the ACB in August 2021.

Source:Times