Mzomera Ngwira denied bail

The High Court sitting in Mzuzu on Thursday denied bail to former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor for the Northern Region Christopher Mzomera Ngwira, who wanted the temporary relief on grounds of his sickness.

Lawyers for Ngwira, Victor Gondwe and Chrispine Ghambi, said they presented all necessary medical reports to justify why Ngwira should be given an opportunity to receive medication out of prison.

Ghambi said in an interview that Ngwira is appealing the case, in which the politician was found guilty of abusing Local Development Fund (LDF).

“We wanted Ngwira to be granted bail, as you are aware that he is not feeling well. However, the court has ruled otherwise and we respect the ruling because we have been all advised to forge ahead [and focus] on appeal processes,” Ghambi said.

Judge Chimwemwe Kamowa ruled out the bail application, saying Ngwira was already getting access to medical services at Mzuzu Central Hospital.

Meanwhile, Gondwe has said the court has advised them and Anti- Corruption Bureau lawyers to present all necessary submissions on the appeal case by January 8 next year.

“We are proceeding with the appeal case this January and we, on our part, have worked on almost all necessary documents. We are glad that the court has told us to present our submissions by January 8, which we hope will be done,” Gondwe said.

However, lawyers representing Ngwira have not ruled the possibility of going back to court to apply for bail if the appeal case will be dragging.

Ngwira is serving a four-year jail-term after the Mzimba Senior Magistrates Court found him guilty of abusing LDF when he was Mzimba Hora legislator.