Kasambara’s bail plea rejected

The High Court in Lilongwe has denied bail former Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara in the shooting case of former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo.

Kasambara together with his co-accused Pika Manondo and Macdonald Kumwembe, former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier were convicted and sentenced to jail by High Court Judge Michael Mtambo two months ago.

Kasambara was sentenced to 13 years for conspiracy to murder Mphwiyo while Manondo and Kumwembe were sentenced to 26 years each for conspiracy and attempting to murder former Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance.

But after his conviction, Kasambara appealed the case saying the Judge made an error in law and he filed for bail application.

Then the Judicially scheduled October 5, 2016 as the day High Court Judge Michael Mtambo will make a ruling on the bail application.

Delivering his ruling on the bail application Mtambo denied granting bail the three.

Judicial spokesperson Mlenga Mvula confirmed of the development in an interview with the press.

“The judge said there are no unusual circumstances to warrant bail for the convicted, they have no special grounds to be considered for bail pending for the appeal,” he said.