The Karonga magistrate court has granted bail to three ward councillors arrested Tuesday on charges bordering on abuse of office, theft and fraud.
The three suspects, Councillor Steven Simsokwe,Ngasalayumo Mwangonde and Smart Kaira are alleged to have pocketed 2.4 million kwacha from market vendors on pretext that they be given spaces within the central business district.
Lawyer representing the accused Temwanani Mposi pleaded with the court to release the trio on bail, on condition that they are well established people in the society therefore cannot jump bail.
ACB Lead Counsel Chikumbutso Harawa did not object to the bail application, calling on the court to attach tough conditions among others not interfering with state witnesses and bonded with cash.
In his ruling,First Grade Magistrate Julius Kalambo ordered the accused to pay a bail bond of K150, 000.00 cash and be reporting to Karonga Police station once every fortnight.
