The High Court in Blantyre has dismissed an application by former Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) board chairperson, Jean Mathaga and three others, who asked the court to stop hearing the charges they are facing.

Mathanga, former ESCOM CEO John Kandulu, Fanuel Nkhono and Emilius Kandapo are answering multiple offences under the Penal Code and the Corrupt Practices Act, which include neglecting of official duties and abuse of public office.

The four raised preliminary objections against the hearing, saying they cannot face the charges in question, arguing ESCOM is not a public body and they too are not public officers.

The case will, therefore, proceed from 9 to 12 June, 2021.