Mphwiyo co-accused out
The High Court in Lilongwe has granted bail to Steve Likhunya-Phiri who is the new accused person in the case where former Ministry of Finance budget director Paul Mphwiyo is charged with several counts, including theft and laundering K2.4 billion.
Phiri, who has been in custody since December 2 2015, is accused number seven among 19 expected to take plea when the case resumes on February 24 2016.
Presiding judge Esme Chombo granted bail to Likhunya-Phiri on condition that he pays a K1.5 million bond, four sureties of K500 000 each and one house, either his or belonging to a relatiion.
However, the judge quashed an appeal by the prosecution, represented by Linesi Chikankheni, that Likhunya-Phiri should disclose the source of the bail bond, which they wanted to be at K1 million.
In response to the bail condition requested by the State, Likhunya-Phiri’s lawyer, Shadreck Mhango, objected to the condition arguing that it was tantamount to providing the State with self-incriminating information.
Chombo faulted the request by the State saying it was done with ulterior motives to corner the suspect.
She said: “This would be evidence of bad faith on the part of the State.”
Likhunya Phiri is facing similar charges of theft, money laundering and two others similar to Mphwiyo.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mary Kachale said the 19 people could not have managed to breach the government financial system and siphon the K2.4 billion over a period of six months without the help of an expert in information technology.
Mphwiyo is facing charges alongside 18 others, including civil servants and contractors. n
