By Jones Gadama
High Court Judge Patrick Chirwa, sitting as Chief Resident Magistrate, has ruled that former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) CEO Collins Magalasi, businesswoman Dorothy Shonga, and two other suspects have a case to answer in the K186 million contract scandal.
The four were arrested in 2020 on serious corruption charges, accused of using their positions to manipulate MERA’s Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee into awarding a K186 million contract to Vink Enterprise, a company owned by Shonga.
The contract was for the supply of a laboratory fuel testing van.
In a scathing ruling delivered on Tuesday, Chirwa made it clear that the State has presented enough evidence to proceed, leaving it now to the accused to explain themselves.
This ruling is a significant milestone in the case, which has been ongoing for several years.
According to reports, Magalasi and Shonga are accused of influencing MERA’s Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee to award the contract to Vink Enterprise, despite the company not meeting the required specifications.
The accused have denied any wrongdoing, but the court’s ruling suggests that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
This case is one of several high-profile corruption cases that have been ongoing in Malawi in recent years.
The country has been struggling to combat corruption, which is seen as a major obstacle to economic development.
The ruling by Judge Chirwa is a significant step forward in the fight against corruption.
It sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable.
The case against Magalasi, Shonga, and the two other suspects is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
The accused will have the opportunity to present their defense and respond to the allegations against them.
In a separate case, Magalasi was also found with a case to answer over a K10.5 million scandal.
The former MERA CEO has been embroiled in several corruption scandals in recent years, and this latest ruling is a significant blow to his reputation.
The fight against corruption is ongoing in Malawi, and this ruling is a significant step forward.
It is hoped that the case against Magalasi, Shonga, and the two other suspects will serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in corrupt practices.
As the case continues, it is expected that more details will emerge about the alleged corruption and the involvement of the accused.
The people of Malawi will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether justice is served.
The ruling by Judge Chirwa is a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in Malawi.
It sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable, and it is hoped that the case against Magalasi, Shonga, and the two other suspects will serve as a deterrent to others.
