East Bridge Scandal: Zamba, Kawale, Gwengwe Arrive in Court

Former Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba, alongside former ministers Sam Kawale and Sosten Gwengwe, have this morning arrived at the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court for their first appearance since their arrest on Monday.

The three “big weights” were ushered into the court building under heavy police escort, as a crowd of onlookers and journalists gathered to witness the high-profile proceedings.

The trio was arrested in connection with the controversial K200 billion East Bridge fertilizer contract. According to a police statement released earlier, they are facing several charges including abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.

Today’s appearance is for the formal reading of charges and the determination of their bail status.

Zamba, who was the first to surrender to authorities at Area 30 on Monday, is facing fresh allegations distinct from previous legal challenges. She was followed by Kawale, the former Minister of Agriculture, and Gwengwe, the former Minister of Trade and Finance, who both handed themselves in after being placed on a police wanted list.

The state is expected to outline how the three allegedly influenced the awarding of the massive fertilizer and commodity-swap contract to the Romanian-based East Bridge Estates.

The court session is currently underway, with legal teams for both the state and the accused ready for a battle over bail conditions.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.