By Jimmy Chazama:
Former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority chief executive officer Collins Magalasi appeared in court Wednesday, accused of aiding a person identified as Lovemore to hack the phones of President Peter Mutharika and other senior government officials.
Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda said the alleged offence was committed between June and August this year.
The alleged victims include Lands Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu, Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito and his deputy Norman Chisale, Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga and his deputies Noel Kayira and Everista Chisale.
Magalasi, who was arrested on Monday, is accused of violating the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act.
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His lawyer, Andy Kawonga, asked the court to grant Magalasi bail, arguing that the State was deliberately bringing charges piecemeal to keep his client in custody.
Superintendent Isaac Mdala of the Malawi Police Service opposed bail, arguing that Magalasi could interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence if released.
He also said Magalasi had the financial means to recruit ICT experts and might flee.
Kawonga dismissed the concerns, saying police had already seized laptops and other property from Magalasi’s home.
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“There can be no interference with anything because everything has already been taken from his house,” he said.
He argued that the State had already investigated the matter and taken statements while Magalasi was in custody, meaning his release would not interfere with investigations.
The defence also argued that Magalasi had been under heavy police guard since his arrest and that his home had been searched and property seized, but no strong evidence had been presented to justify his continued detention.
The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe reserved its ruling on bail until today
