By Chisomo Phiri
The High Court in Lilongwe through Judge Mzondi Mvula has on Thursday turned down a bail application for Lester Maganga in a case in which he is being accused of murdering Coca-Cola Beverages Sales Manager Alan Wittika.
In court, Justice Mvula observed that there is a need to allow the State to exhaust its investigations within the 90 days from the day Maganga was arrested as permitted by the law.
“It has been argued that the accused is well travelled, well connected with ‘the powers that be’ which he can use to interfere with the witnesses and investigation processes,” said Mvula.
He finalised reading his ruling with a clear order, saying: “Let it be known that I shall remand in custody Lester Maganga on these terms. That’s my order!”
Last month, Maganga through his lawyer Innocent Kubwalo submitted a bail application saying the suspect has the right to it regardless of what crime he is being suspected to have committed.
However, the development means that Maganga will continue to be at Maula prison where he has been remanded up until after 90 days when the court says he could then be eligible for bail after applications.
The court has since advised the state to conclude its investigations of the matter by 23rd January, 2024 as the resumption of the hearing of the case is slated for 26th January, 2024.
